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Published in: Solar, Press Releases
Global energy solutions leader Aggreko has supplied a comprehensive load bank and generator package to support the commissioning of a 500 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Europe’s largest battery farm.
Located at Coalburn in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, the site is one of many being built across the UK to balance the electricity grid by storing and discharging excess renewable energy.
Partnering with the main contractor on the project, H&MV Engineering, Aggreko’s load bank package facilitated the precise simulation of electrical loads, enabling the system to be tested under real-world operating conditions.
A Stage V generator power package, running on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biofuel, delivered uninterrupted power supply and load management throughout the commissioning phase. This integrated approach ensured the BESS site met all performance and safety standards, allowing for a smooth transition to full operational status with minimised risk and downtime.
The bespoke solution included a 5 MW load bank and 5 MW generator package at 33 kV, alongside a 150 kVA LV generator, HV/LV cabling and ancillary equipment. All systems were installed, commissioned and supported by Aggreko’s on-site engineering team.
Hugh Prentice, Senior Project Manager at H&MV Engineering, said: “Aggreko’s support was critical to the successful commissioning of the BESS site at Coalburn 1. The solution’s ability to simulate electrical loads and provide uninterrupted power supply gave us the confidence that the system would perform reliably once live.
“Aggreko’s tailored approach and willingness to collaborate closely with our team over an 18-month period made them the ideal choice for this project. This helped to deliver an end-product that was both cost-effective and optimised for various unique challenges.”
The site’s tight laydown area restricted space for equipment installation and movement. With commissioning activities spread across multiple battery blocks, Aggreko provided full transport logistics to ensure equipment could be repositioned effectively without disrupting timelines.
It also deployed a dedicated onsite engineer to oversee operations, manage equipment performance and respond to any technical issues in real time.
Craig Fleming, Utilities Sector Sales Manager at Aggreko, said: “This is a prime example of how Aggreko’s expertise in delivering large-scale, complex HV power solutions can make a real difference. Our focus on safety, reliability, efficiency and environmental responsibility was central to its success.
“Our role in bringing one of Europe’s most exciting grid-balancing projects to life is something I’m incredibly proud of. Supporting the energy transition is at the heart of what we do, and Coalburn is a major step forward in that journey.”
The package of Stage V generators operated on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), aligning with the site’s own sustainability goals and reducing emissions throughout the commissioning phase.
The one-gigawatt facility at Coalburn, developed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), is expected to reach full capacity in 2026.
Once operational, it will supply the equivalent of 184,000 homes annually, offsetting 103,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in the process, a strong contribution to the UK’s net zero ambitions.
Aggreko has also published a case study video detailing its role in commissioning the BESS site at Coalburn 1
Discover more about Aggreko’s utility power solutions.
Aggreko is a global leader in energy solutions, providing rapidly deployable, modular power and temperature control solutions for however long they’re needed.
We’re highly skilled sector specialists, bringing together our proprietary application know-how and engineering capability to deliver efficient, reliable and sustainable energy solutions.
With experience of working in the most demanding environments, we’re available for customers when they need us most, from emergency critical services to longer term energy solutions.
We’re continually investing in more sustainable products, fuels and services to make greener solutions accessible to customers, helping them wherever they are on their energy transition journey.
Founded in 1962, we are headquartered in the UK and employ over 6,800 people worldwide.
For more information, please visit our website at Home | Aggreko
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