Large battery storage sites often called Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) or “battery farms” are becoming a major part of the UK energy network.

These are not household batteries. They are huge commercial systems made up of container-sized batteries designed to store electricity and release it back into the grid when demand rises.

You may have seen reports of battery systems being installed beneath stadium developments, near football grounds, beside substations or on farmland. The reason is simple: battery storage helps balance the electricity network and can create long-term income opportunities for landowners and investors. Battery storage is becoming a key part of the UK's move towards renewable energy.

How Do Battery Farms Work?

Think of it as a giant power bank for the electricity network.

Step 1 – Batteries Charge

The battery charges when:

  • Wind farms generate excess electricity
  • Solar farms produce surplus power
  • Electricity prices are low
  • The grid has excess supply

Step 2 – Electricity Is Stored

Power is stored in large battery containers.

A site can contain:

  • Rows of battery containers
  • Transformers
  • Inverters
  • Cooling systems
  • Control buildings
  • Grid connection equipment

Step 3 – Electricity Is Sold Back

When demand increases:

  • Batteries discharge electricity
  • Power is exported back into the network
  • Operators are paid for balancing services
  • Electricity can be sold at higher value periods

Battery systems help smooth renewable generation and support grid balancing.

Why Are They Being Installed Near Football Grounds Or Under Developments?

You may hear stories about batteries under football facilities or major developments.

This usually happens because:

  • Large sites already have substantial electrical infrastructure
  • They often sit near substations
  • Land can be used more efficiently
  • Battery systems can support stadium energy demand

For example, large stadium battery projects have been used to reduce energy costs and provide electricity balancing services.

How Big Are Battery Farms?

Typical examples:

Small Commercial Site

  • 5–20MW battery system

Land requirement:

  • Around 2–5 acres

Medium Storage Site

  • 50–100MW battery system

Land requirement:

  • Around 5–15 acres

Large Grid Scale Battery Farm

  • 100–500MW+
  • Can involve dozens of battery containers
  • Often connected directly beside substations

Battery projects commonly look for 2–15 acres or more of relatively flat land near grid infrastructure.

Who Might This Suit?

Battery projects may suit:

  • Farmers
  • Estates
  • Rural landowners
  • Businesses with spare land
  • Industrial sites
  • Community energy projects
  • Land close to substations

Land close to major electricity infrastructure can be particularly attractive.

Are There Grants Or Financial Incentives?

Direct grants for large battery farms are more limited than domestic energy schemes.

Support can include:

Scotland – CARES

Support may include:

  • Community energy funding
  • Feasibility support
  • Shared renewable projects

Local Energy Scotland

Phone: 0808 808 2288

Scotland – Business Energy Scotland

Support for businesses and farms considering renewable projects.

May include:

  • Energy advice
  • Funding guidance
  • Diversification support

Business Energy Scotland

Phone: 0808 808 2268

Step By Step – Who Should Someone Contact?

Step 1 – Speak To Business Energy Support First

Before speaking to developers:

Business Energy Scotland

Phone: 0808 808 2268

Can discuss:

  • Land suitability
  • Energy opportunities
  • Rural diversification
  • Renewable support routes

Step 2 – Contact Local Energy Scotland (Community Projects)

Phone: 0808 808 2288

Can help with:

  • Community battery projects
  • Feasibility studies
  • Shared ownership routes

Step 3 – Contact The Local Distribution Network Operator (DNO)

This is one of the biggest steps.

The DNO checks:

  • Grid capacity
  • Export ability
  • Substation access
  • Upgrade costs

Grid connection is often the deciding factor.

Step 4 – Speak With Battery Storage Developers

Developers assess:

  • Distance to substations
  • Land size
  • Access roads
  • Planning suitability
  • Revenue potential

Step 5 – Planning & Surveys

Large battery sites often require:

  • Planning permission
  • Fire assessments
  • Noise studies
  • Environmental reports
  • Site surveys

Additional Information

  • Battery farms do not generate electricity – they store it
  • Sites often sit close to substations
  • Grid access is one of the biggest project factors
  • Farmers can lease land to battery developers
  • Income agreements can run for decades
  • UK battery storage capacity is expanding rapidly as renewable energy grows.

Need Information On Current Grants & Support?

Funding arrangements and eligibility requirements can change over time.

Contact Grants Gateway to discuss current grants, advice, funding routes and support that may apply to your property, household, business or project circumstances.

Available support and eligibility requirements can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.