The BESS is a 300MW/600MWh energy storage facility located in Scotland, UK. The BESS comprises 49 battery storage units, an HV transformer compound, up to two HV transformer units and two MV switch rooms, two synchronous compensators compound, four LV switch rooms and aux transformer, a control room, modular buildings, and a DNO building.

BG&E was responsible for carrying out the geotechnical review and assessment for the following areas within the project

• Review of existing geotechnical information and specifications designed by others.
• Review of current civil and structural information.

Once these items were reviewed, BG&E proceeded with assessing and estimating the short term and long term settlements, establishing whether these were within the allowable tolerances for the units and BESS plant on the compound.

Once BG&E provided the initial assessment to the client, it proposed additional ground investigation works and soil testing. These tests helped obtain more refined parameters and analysis, which further enhanced our support and assistance on the project.

The client received a final technical report, including the predicted ground settlement assessment results, proposed mitigation measures, risk assessment, and additional tests.

The analysis considered the short term during the construction stage and the long term throughout the 20 year design life of the project. Ground properties and parameters were determined from existing and specified ground investigation and testing results. The analysis was conducted using advanced computer modelling and analysis software.

Construction of the site is ongoing. Phase 1 is expected to be completed by summer 2024, and Phase 2 of the project will be completed and go live in 2026.