Energy storage: innovations delivering capacity in Scotland
17 Dec 2025 • 4 minute read
The global energy transition industry depends on storage solutions. Discover Scotland's innovations across the sector.
Scotland is addressing storage capacity shortages in renewable energy by developing crucial solutions.
There are several companies that are working to meet this demand across Scotland. Many innovations have now been developed, supported by academic institutions and networks. For example, innovations in Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Energy storage capacity is urgently needed to meet net-zero ambitions. Energy storage targets are expected to triple to 29GW by 2030, according to a Det Norske Veritas report. This is creating opportunities for innovators in Scotland to help the UK become a European leader in large scale energy storage installations.
With grid capacity coming under increasing strain and a lack of connections delaying the construction of renewables projects, the nation is developing energy storage capabilities.
LDES systems must have the capacity to store and release energy for eight hours or longer to achieve a balance in generation from intermittent sources. These include wind, solar and tidal energy. Building sufficient LDES capacity can also reduce the need for expensive and potentially disruptive grid updates.
With multi-gigawatts of projects in the pipeline, organisations in Scotland are working on grid-scale solutions. These are for commercial, industrial, and residential applications, along with thermal and seasonal storage in heat networks.
Scotland's battery electric storage solutions
Battery storage is a leading solution for energy transition, and businesses in Scotland are making vital contributions. Aberdeen-headquartered Norco Group provides scalable battery storage systems to store energy generated by renewables. The company has more than 30 years' experience in delivering critical power systems, energy storage capabilities, and related services.
Norco Group is applying this expertise to energy storage systems, with teams dedicated to both batteries and renewables. This builds on the company’s history of supplying and maintaining forklift truck batteries and backup power systems. Its battery systems include lithium-ion solutions, nickel-cadmium models, and valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) units.
"We offer a battery rental model, which is innovative and a valuable option for customers today. This allows us to support clients who may find the first investment too high. We’re making energy storage more accessible and affordable," says John Roy, Director of Norco Group Limited.
A nation made for renewable energy storage
Given Scotland’s abundance of renewable energy, such as wind, hydro, and tidal, businesses with BESS capabilities such as Norco can access multiple market opportunities.
“The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that 50% of total energy demand is from renewables by 2030. We're well placed to capture the surplus energy for deployment when demand exceeds generation capabilities,” adds John Roy.
Vanadium flow batteries are another solution, as more demand is placed on lithium supplies. Vanadium batteries are designed to last 30-years, are at low risk of overheating, and can be recycled. Mhor Energy is another Scottish company providing flow batteries for residential, commercial, industrial, and grid scale use.
Innovators in energy storage technologies
Alongside flow batteries, the firm provides heat storage capabilities, working with Star Renewables, an industrial heat pump supplier in Scotland. Mhor Energy offers systems for heat extraction storage working with geothermal energy, waste heat recovery, and water pumps. The company’s home systems convert heat from domestic water-filled heating systems into energy that is stored in rechargeable batteries.
Companies in Scotland are developing niche solutions in specific areas that are captive to market opportunities. Dukosi is targeting a specific niche component for BESS manufacturers through its on-cell battery monitoring system.
Beyond batteries, Scotland has a diverse range of energy storage innovations. Highview Power is planning to build a liquid air energy storage facility in Hunterston on Scotland’s west coast, while Edinburgh-based Flexitricity is a specialist provider of energy asset optimising solutions.
More broadly, TownRock Energy specialises in thermal energy storage solutions, notably reusing waste heat from a Glasgow nightclub to power the venue. The firm also works with the Galleries 2 Calories project that seeks to harness Scotland’s extensive underground mine network for thermal energy storage.
Academic institutions powering progress
Universities in Scotland play a pivotal role in advancing innovations in energy storage technologies, both nationally and overseas.
Based at the University of Strathclyde, the Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) is an internationally recognised innovation and testing facility. Here, StorTera has been collaborating on a project with TATA Power. This addresses issues in India, where energy outages and disruption to the electrical network are caused by transformer maintenance.
In addition, St Andrews University is home to the Colin Vincent Centre for Battery Technology. The centre is dedicated to driving innovations in energy storage, with specialist facilities for developing and testing the components and materials, even those with sensitive chemistries.
Where hydrogen is concerned, the University of St Andrews has specialist facilities focused on areas such as fuel cells, electrolysers, and green ammonia.
Alongside talent provision, support is available for scaling innovation. This is critical for early stage projects before they enter commercial markets. Organisations such as Scottish Enterprise, Scotland’s national economic development agency, provide mentoring services and advice. This helps new businesses and established companies diversify their services.
Scottish Enterprise can also update innovators on the latest funding rounds. One example is the CAN DO Innovation Green Heat Feasibility Call. This awarded £750,000 to 16 projects to support the development of the clean heat supply chain. Mhor Energy was one of the successful recipients of a 100% funded grant.
“Being based in Scotland gives us access to a strong renewable energy sector, a skilled workforce, and a supportive innovation ecosystem. Ambitious net zero targets and government backing for clean technologies create an environment that encourages collaboration and growth,” sums up Dr Declan Bryans, Chief Technology Officer at Mhor Energy.
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