News

Highland Council intends to tender for a developer to design, build and operate a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

The Highland Council has identified the former Torvean Quarry (Inverness) for development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which would support distribution network operations via connection to an existing (collocated) overhead 33kV line.

The Highland Council has accepted a grid connection offer provided by the Distribution Network Operator (Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution PLC), for a 9,900 kVA import / 9,900 kW export connection, with an estimated connection date of 31 October 2027 (note that this date is subject to change).

The Highland Council intends to tender (via open competition) for a developer to design, build and operate a BESS at the former Torvean Quarry. It is envisaged that the Highland Council would assign the accepted grid connection offer to the contracted party, and that the contracted party would undertake all required contestable distribution network works, in addition to the BESS build.

The Highland Council would receive a standing lease payment for occupation of the site, plus an agreed revenue share, throughout the term of the lease (20-40 years). An Option to Lease fee would also be payable, from contract award, until the lease period begins.

A Prior Information Notice (PIN) has been published on Public Contracts Scotland to communicate the Highland Council’s intention to contract with a developer. The developer should have suitable experience and resources available to meet the full demands of the tender.

You can register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information here .

Estimated date of publication of the contract notice is 12/06/2025

 Support available from the Supplier Development Programme (SDP)

SDP offers 24/7 FREE tendering support to Scottish SMEs, third sector organisations and supported businesses, via our e-Learning platform, as well as live webinars & resources. There is a course to suit every level - whether you are new to tendering or have years of experience - Find a course to fit you!