Centrica has acquired a former gas power station site in Yorkshire, England, from Third Energy for a 28MW battery storage development.
The former Knapton Generating Station site also has potential for off-grid hydrogen production, as well as the possibility for a solar installation on surrounding areas, Centrica said.
The multi-million pound deal is part of Centrica Business Solutions strategic plan to create a 900MW portfolio of solar and battery assets by 2026.
The 28MW/56 megawatt-hour (MWh) will make use of some of the 41.5MW export capability of the existing grid connection.
“Taking an old fossil fuel asset and revitalising it to help advance the decarbonisation of the grid not only feels the right thing to do from a sustainability point of view, but aligns with our strategy,” said Greg McKenna, Managing Director of Centrica Business Solutions.
“We’re quickly acquiring a portfolio of assets that can play an important role in facilitating a net zero future for the UK.”
Gas production at Knapton ended in 2019 and the site has been cleared of all gas processing equipment and the gas turbine.
Together with its housing shed and associated equipment, it has been dismantled and removed.
Third Energy will retain the ownership of the 12 well-sites and associated gas pipeline network.