Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson, has “warmly welcomed” millions in funding from the UK Government for a first-of-its-kind energy storage project being developed by Synchrostor at a site in Cumbernauld.
The UK Government have confirmed that two Scottish businesses at the cutting edge of energy storage have received £20.4 million in funding to supercharge their work and contribute towards wider efforts to power more of Britain from Britain, boosting the country’s energy security.
Edinburgh-based Synchrostor, who have received £9.4 million, will use their funding to build a Pumped Thermal Energy Storage (PTES) grid-connected demonstration plant operating at 1MW in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire.
It will have the ability to charge, store and discharge energy for a period of 10 hours – longer than current battery technology.
This funding will support Synchrostor to test and prepare their technology to be ready for the energy market, encouraging private investment and creating new jobs.
Mr Simpson says this investment is evidence that the UK Government helping to maximise the potential of renewable energy and deliver new jobs for people in Lanarkshire .
He added that this funding was “just another example” of residents in Cumbernauld and across Lanarkshire benefitting from being part of the United Kingdom.
MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson said: “It’s great news that the UK Government have awarded this substantial amount of funding to Synchrostor, who will use the investment to build their PTES demonstrator in Cumbernauld.
“This project will not only make a positive contribution to Lanarkshire’s local economy but it will also encourage private investment in the energy storage sector and create new jobs across Scotland.
“Capturing and storing energy for use when and where it is needed will play an essential role in powering more of Britain from Britain and increasing the country’s energy security”.
“This funding is just another example of our communities benefiting by being part of the UK Government and I hope representatives from all parties will welcome this additional investment for our region.”
