Published: 15 May 2023, 14:41
This battery storage project becomes the second in development by SSE Renewables. Image: SSE.
SSE Renewables is set to proceed with and enter into contracts to deliver a 150MW battery energy storage system (BESS) project in West Yorkshire.
The renewable energy arm of SSE confirmed that it had taken a final investment decision to proceed with and has entered into contracts to deliver the project situated at SSE’s former Ferrybridge coal-fired power station.
Ferrybridge had been a staple of SSE’s power stations until it was decommissioned in 2016. But as the UK is now phasing out coal-fired plants in line with net zero targets, SSE intends to use the site to implement a 150MW BESS project to support the renewable revolution across the UK.
We’ve taken a Final Investment Decision to proceed with, & have entered into contracts to deliver, our second battery energy storage system. The 150MW project is located at the site of @SSE‘s former Ferrybridge coal-fired power station in West Yorkshire.
➡️https://t.co/Thg43I0uCN pic.twitter.com/mW06fSZ7bV— SSE Renewables (@sserenewables) May 12, 2023
The project has a grid connection already confirmed and scheduled for June 2024 with the project expected to be fully operational by late 2024. It is being developed in conjunction with battery technology supplier Sungrow Power Supply and construction partner OCU Services.
“Reaching Final Investment Decision for our Ferrybridge battery storage project is another exciting landmark for us. Located next to the former Ferrybridge coal power station, this important new project demonstrates clearly the transition to net zero while supporting new green jobs,” said Richard Cave-Bigley, director (Solar and Battery) at SSE Renewables.
“SSE Renewables has almost 2GW of battery and solar projects currently in development or under construction. These technologies are key to helping SSE deliver on its £25 billion Net Zero Acceleration Programme to provide the green energy we need to decarbonise.
“By building out more battery storage, we can get more renewable power onto the grid. That’s because batteries store power in times of surplus generation and release it when it’s needed the most – helping us bring flexibility and balance to the grid.”
The Ferrybridge project will become SSE Renewables’ second battery storage project in delivery with the company already constructing a 50MW project in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
SSE Renewables recently added SSE’s Solar and Battery team to its own arm to advance the delivery of a nearly 2GW project pipeline in the UK and Ireland and its expansion into Europe, as reported by Solar Power Portal.
The SSE Solar and Battery’s 100-person team was previously incubated in SSE plc’s Enterprise division. SSE said that the shift to working under SSE Renewables would happen with immediate effect and would help support SSE Renewables net zero goals.