A London-based renewable every developer has won planning permission for a new 19.8MW gas peaking plant and 20MW battery storage plant in Fife.
The £28 million development in Glenrothes will bring significant investment to the local area and utilise local resources, promote energy independence and generate sustainable long term jobs in the energy sector.
Set up in 2013, Sainc Energy also intends to launch a research and development centre for innovative energy technologies.
In addition, the project will be a significant production facility to the UK energy capacity market as the energy it produces will contribute to the services needed for the smooth operation of the national grid and the stability of power supply. The plant will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
A spokesman for Sainc Energy said: “With a combined value of £28m, the battery power portion of the project will be the first energy storage facility of its kind within Fife.
“We aim to lead the way in storage innovation and are in advanced discussions with world leading battery technology providers and alternative energy storage systems to work on developing software in relation to virtual power plant – a concept of integrating several types of power sources for optimisation of overall power supply.
“When fully operational, the R&D Centre will employ up to 12 high calibre technical and scientific personnel to provide the control of the site operations, and undertake the R&D activities.
“We are delighted to have secured planning consent for this important project that will support the energy market and invest in innovation to help meet Scottish renewable energy targets.”
Jean Curran, Managing Director of Edinburgh-based Atmos Consulting, helped Sainc Energy with the project. She said: “Scotland is currently setting out its draft energy strategy for 2050 with a clear aspiration for long-term, sustained decarbonisation and secure, reliable supplies of energy when they are required.
“Energy storage is an increasingly important element of our energy infrastructure and we are pleased to be part of innovative efforts to store and manage low carbon energy”.
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