The principle purpose of the Markethill BESS project is to import and store electricity from the electricity grid when there is an excess of generation, primarily from renewables. During periods of imbalance on the electrical grid the project will then discharge this power back to the grid, as required. This ‘grid balancing service’ helps to deliver decarbonisation as it, effectively, reduces the degree to which renewable generation needs to be ‘curtailed’ (turned off) by helping to store excess generation, and then subsequently exports this power when it is required, reducing the need to source power from fossil fuel sources.

The proposal meets a national need for generation back-up to support the operation of the electricity grid and will bring wider benefits in terms of delivering the decarbonising the electricity supply sector, in creating opportunities for creating and supporting local employment and in bringing an innovative high technology project to the area. It is anticipated that the proposal would deliver a reduction in CO2 emissions of around 4,134 tonnes per annum by reducing the curtailment of renewable energy generation and reducing the need for high carbon generation.