Lower 48 Energy Upper Greenfields I BESS

Lower 48 Energy Upper Greenfields 1 BESS is an important project in our self originated pipeline.

Lower 48 Energy Upper Greenfields 1 BESS is strategically located immediately adjacent to the National Grid New Deer 2 Substation. New Deer 2 400 kV Substation forms part of ScotWind and is the onshore landing substation of Offshore wind generation in North East Scotland.

Lower 48 Energy was ahead of other developers in locating National Grid’s preferred location for the 400 kV substation and was able to secure grid connection for 200 MW of capacity at 400 kV in an ideal location immediately next to the substation.

The proposed 400 kV New Deer 2 Substation would host > 1GW of offshore wind generation primarily coming from Moray wind farm. Lower 48 Energy project at the site would not only complement the wind generation but would also limit curtailments as a result of excess generation.  

Lower 48 Energy has worked up a land lease deal for a period of 30 years with an option to extend further for 10 years with the landlord to host the 200 MW BESS.

The proposed location of the site is very strategic and forms a vital part of Holistic Network Design (HND) strategy to deliver 2030 offshore wind targets for Scotland. We have taken an option on the site which is >8 acres and can host a greater capacity of BESS in the future if required.

The site is on agricultural farm land and is a fair distance away from residential dwellings. At Lower 48 Energy we always strive to spot locations that have minimal impact on local communities and the environment.

We have initiated the Pre Application Studies with Blackhall & Powis and have conducted noise assessment & topological surveys. We have held two Community Engagement events in 2024 to hear Local Communities concerns and objections.  This feedback is being reflected in our planning application which we are preparing

The proposed substation is due for completion in 2032 and we expect to energise the BESS plant in 2033 when the offshore wind farms are due to connect.

The site is a very attractive site not least because of being co-located with >1GW of offshore wind but because it also benefits from less expensive connection to the substation which is less than 200 m away.

Once energised, the project would participate in all the markets and would primarily target the Balancing Market owing to its locational advantage.