Matrix Renewables has announced the development of the Eccles and Kilmarnock standalone BESS project in partnership with Green BESS Developments in Scotland and England. The two BESS projects have a combined capacity of 1 GW, and will cumulatively hold up to 2 GWh of energy. Backed by the global assets manager, TPG, the two battery energy storage system (BESS) projects have been termed as Matrix’s “entry” into the broader UK energy market.
Eccles and Kilmarnock BESS projects factsheet
Location: Electricity transmission corridors between Scotland and England
Developer: Matrix Renewables
Asset manager: TPG Rise (Under TPG as a “global impact investing platform”)
Cost: Part of more than £1 billion investment
Construction timeline: 2 years
Projected project completion date: 2027
Current phase: EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contracting
Matrix’s Eccles and Kilmarnock BESS projects in Scotland and England
Created and backed by approximately $27 billion, TPG Rise’s Matrix Renewables current portfolio boasts 15.5 GW of renewable energy. Located in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America, they mainly include solar, BESS and green hydrogen projects.
The Eccles and Kilmarnock BESS projects in Scotland and England are strategic in the acceleration of UK’s renewable energy transition, and in reinforcing the country’s grid stability. Also in greater plans is the creation of local jobs and a boost to the economy. Also expected are operational returns once the more than £1 billion Eccles and Kilmarnock BESS projects are completed in 2027. Matrix also plans to develop an additional 2 GW of generation and BESS capacities in the UK. This will be over the next three years.
Currently, the Eccles and Kilmarnock BESS projects by Matrix in the UK and Scotland are in their financial and technical decision phases. Next will be the EPC phase.
The project’s foresight
Terming the UK’s standalone BESS market as the “most advanced”, Sergio Arbeláez also reassured of Matrix’s commitment to the investment. “… we are committed to playing a long-term role in supporting and investing behind the UK’s transition to a low-carbon energy system.” Said Sergio, the Managing Director for Matrix Renewables Europe and Latin America arms.
