UK-based Carlton Power has secured planning permission for a 1040MW battery energy storage scheme (BESS) located at the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park in Greater Manchester.
The £750m BESS scheme (pictured) will strengthen the security and resilience of the energy system in the North West of England, and support the energy transition and the growth of renewable power generation in the region, the developer said.
Planning permission for the BESS was granted by Trafford Council, the local planning authority.
Subject to a final investment decision, construction of the battery storage scheme is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2024 with it entering commercial operation in the final quarter of 2025.
Carlton Power is in advanced talks with companies to finance, build and operate the Trafford BESS.
The Trafford BESS is Carlton Power’s second major energy project that has been consented for the c12 hectare Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park, eight miles south of Manchester.
The other project is Carlton’s 200MW Trafford Green Hydrogen scheme; the scheme’s first phase (15-20MW) is also set to enter commercial operation in Q4 2025.
Keith Clarke, founder and chief executive of Carlton Power, said: “Carlton Power acquired the former coal fired power station in 2008 to redevelop the site for new energy projects.
“With the approval of the BESS, this brings the total investment value of the site to £2bn, which will deliver significant economic benefits to the Greater Manchester region and help to deliver the regional net zero targets.
“The investment in the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park over the next 2-5 years demonstrates Carlton’s long-term vision and commitment to re-energising the Trafford site.”