SSE’s 150MW battery storage project in construction at Ferrybridge has reached a significant milestone with the arrival of the first batteries at the site in West Yorkshire.
A total of 136 battery units will be installed at the 300MWh site, which will be SSE Renewables’ second BESS and three times the size of its first operational asset in Salisbury.
Once operational, the Ferrybridge facility could power close to a quarter of a million homes for up to two hours during times of peak demand, SSE said.
The installation of the batteries will continue until late June, with project partners OCU Energy carrying out the work in conjunction with crane supplier, Notus Contract Lifting.
SSE Renewables director of development & construction for solar & battery Richard Cave-Bigley said: “We’re excited to have reached another significant milestone on our Ferrybridge battery storage project with the arrival of the first batteries on-site.
“Ferrybridge will once again be a key location for the UK energy system, providing the flexible electricity storage the country needs to fully utilise its growing renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power.”
Project manager for Ferrybridge BESS at SSE Renewables Craig Jackson added: “It’s great to have the first battery units arriving at the site as we continue to move through the construction phase of the project.
“In the coming weeks we’ll be working with our construction partners OCU Energy and local contractors to complete the installation of all battery units and a 132kv transformer at the Ferrybridge site.”
Construction at Ferrybridge began in August 2023 and is due to be completed in late 2024.
SSE Renewables currently has a further two battery storage facilities under construction at Monk Fryston, North Yorkshire (320MW) and Fiddler’s Ferry, Warrington (150MW).