LDES Further Information

What is a Long Duration Energy System (LDES) 

An LDES is commonly defined as a storage system that can discharge energy for a period of over 10 hours, although the Busby (Thorntonhall) solution seems to have an 8-hour output capacity. 

There are four types of LDES, Chemical, Electro Chemical, Mechanical and Thermal. The Busby (Thorntonhall) LDES is likely to be an Electro Chemical i.e. Battery Storage solution. 

How Big is the Busby (Thorntonhall) LDES?

The Busby LDES, located in Thorntonhall, is 86 Acres in size effectively the size of around 50 Football Pitches. The site will be surrounded by a 2.4m high fence and will have a roads infrastructure within it to support the battery containers, cooling units, transformers and, SuDS (sustainable drainage system - designed to manage stormwater locally and provide an immediate 2-hour firefighting solution.)

Will the LDES have the same issues as a BESS?

Currently we are unaware of what type of storage battery system will be used, if the storage medium is changed then there will be different/reduced fire issues for the batteries; but all the other issues remain and will be increased by the scaling up of the plan.

Update on Proposed Frontier Busby LDES 86-Acre Industrial Development on Thorntonhall & Busby Greenfield Land

This is your urgent update regarding the proposed 86-acre Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) development on greenbelt land between Thorntonhall and Busby.

As you will be aware, it has all been very quiet about the proposed 86-acre LDES development; unfortunately, it has not gone away and is now rearing its ugly head once more.

Following months of chasing Cavendish Consulting (representing developers Apatura and Frontier Power), we have received a response regarding the project's current status and next steps.

Here are the key points:

1. Ofgem Funding Decision Pending:

Frontier Power’s second application to Ofgem for the "Cap and Floor" financial support scheme closed in August 2026. Ofgem’s final decision is expected in Autumn 2026.

2. Developers Plan to Push Ahead Regardless:

Crucially, the developer has stated that “ it is also important to note that the outcome of the Cap and Floor Process will not determine whether the project proceeds and the project can be delivered without support through the Cap and Floor scheme”.
It is believed that they intend to progress with the 86-acre industrial installation even if Ofgem rejects them again. They claim the project can be built as a commercial "merchant" venture without Cap and Floor backing.

3.Grid Connection vs. Planning Permission:

While Frontier has secured a grid connection offer from NESO to the local substation, a grid offer is not planning permission. The right to build on our greenbelt will be decided through the ECU (Energy Consent Unit).

4.Public Consultation Coming Soon:

The developer has confirmed that a statutory Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) will take place soon, giving residents a formal opportunity to view proposals and submit comments.
What We Are Doing:

• We are working closely with local representatives across all parties—including local councillors—some of whom strongly oppose the destruction of our greenbelt.
• We are meeting with Joe Fagan labour  MSP at the end of the month and he  is  totally against this proposed development.

What You Can Do Now:

• Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for notice of the upcoming developer public exhibition/consultation dates.
• Get Involved: Share this information with neighbours and register your support with us by emailing:  bess@thorntonhallbess.com
• We ALL need to work together; this has not gone away.
• Write to your local councillor and see where they stand; engage with them;  they work for you.
• Please sign our petition. We currently have 2,927 signatures on a live petition to object to this monstrosity of a development, but we need more, please

Please ensure:

• You are following the website BESS BUSBY THORNTONHALL
• New Posters – We are looking for help designing new posters and banners to replace the current ones; please let us know if you can help. The message has to be short, sharp and eye-catching. We can offer some payment. We need help!

We will write to you again as soon as the formal consultation dates are published