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Gas Leak Alert at Cockenzie Battery Energy Storage System
An alert has been raised by the Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council regarding a gas leak at the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) site located in Cockenzie, East Lothian. The council stated that they were made aware of the situation through a notification on their Facebook page.
The incident is ongoing as of Thursday, September 10, 2026. Reports indicate that the site, situated behind Whin Park, has been associated with a “loud whoosh” sound, which residents believe is linked to the gas leak.
The chair of the community council is currently on-site to liaise with the teams from Scotia Gas Networks (SGN). According to the community council’s post, SGN is actively assessing the leak and striving to ensure safety. However, they noted that full repairs might not commence until later in the evening or potentially the following day, as coordination with Scottish Power is required due to the close proximity of a high-voltage cable.
Residents in Cockenzie, Port Seton, and Prestonpans are advised they should still be able to use household appliances, although gas pressure has been reduced. The community council urged anyone who detects the smell of gas to report it to SGN as usual, rather than assuming it is related to the leak.
SGN has confirmed their presence at the site and stated: “We’ve been called to a reported gas escape following third-party damage at a building site off Edinburgh Road between Cockenzie and Prestonpans. We’re currently on-site assessing the situation. It’s too soon to say how long our repair may take but we’re working as quickly as possible to make safe.”
Further information from SGN is expected to be shared shortly. East Lothian Council has reiterated SGN’s statement regarding the ongoing situation.
