Galileo has invited local businesses to register their interest in commercial opportunities arising from a battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Middlerigg, Scotland.
The developer of the 50MW scheme has opened a formal supplier registration, allowing interested businesses across the Lothians to register interest in the project.
Galileo has started to receive expressions of interest and is keen the process is formalised, yet made as straightforward as possible for local potential suppliers and contractors.
The proposed BESS is located on land adjacent to the A801, north-west of Bathgate Substation.
Galileo said it is committed to ensuring that, wherever reasonably possible, local suppliers and contractors are used in all aspects of the construction and operation of the battery storage facility.
These benefits are in addition to a community benefit fund, amounting to around £400,000 over the project’s estimated 40-year lifetime for the local communities of Bathgate and Armadale.
It is envisaged this will focus on two key priorities – health/physical activity and training/education.
Individuals, local community groups and charities are being encouraged to provide feedback so an understanding of what this funding could be used for can be gained.
It is anticipated than an application for planning permission will be submitted to West Lothian Council later in 2024.
Galileo’s senior project manager Laura Petrie (pictured) said: “Through our continuing engagement with local communities on this project, we have made it clear that we are keen to ensure that we use local businesses and contractors in all aspects of our battery energy storage development where possible.
“Hence the opening of this portal to ensure that they can benefit.
“Renewable energy developments such as this have the potential to deliver considerable investment, creating local jobs, boosting the skills of our current and future workforce and deliver sustainable economic growth.
“It should be highlighted that we are also offering a community benefit fund of around £400,000, to be used by local communities, and are keen to get a greater understanding of what this could be used for.”
West Lothian Chamber of Commerce chief executive Paul Hunter added: “We are incredibly supportive of the opening of the portal, which will allow local businesses the opportunity to register interest and ensure they don’t miss out on any opportunities.
“Renewable energy developments such as this have the potential to deliver considerable investment, creating local jobs, boosting the skills of our current and future workforce and deliver sustainable economic growth.
“We are pleased to note Galileo’s commitment to prioritising the use of local suppliers and contractors in all aspects of the battery storage development.
“If the development is approved, we look forward to continuing to work with the company to maximise the opportunities available in the local supply chain.”