Plans to build a 100MW battery energy storage system (BESS) on Teesside in north-east England have been approved.
More than 100 jobs will be supported by the £62 million development from Energy Optimisation Solutions (EOS) after Redcar & Cleveland Council gave the scheme the green light.
The BESS will be built on a three-acre plot at the Long Acres section of the 2500-acre Teesworks site on the south bank of the River Tees.
Over the course of a year, the EOS facility will help cut carbon emissions by 4000 metric tons – the equivalent of driving a car 11.6 million kilometres or 289 times around the world.
EOS director Peter Walker said: “We’re really looking forward to coming to Teesworks and are delighted that our plans have been given approval.
“With so much renewable energy development planned for the site, such a supportive environment and such an experienced team in charge, it makes for the perfect location for our next battery storage facility.
“If we as a country are going to hit our net-zero ambitions then energy storage is absolutely essential.
“You can store water in reservoirs and gas in gasometers and in LPG form so you can use those resources when you need them.
“Battery storage systems mean that you can do the same thing with electricity generated from renewable sources.”
It is anticipated that building the battery storage facility will take around 12 months in total and will support over 100 jobs in the construction sector.
EOS has a number of battery storage projects already underway in the UK, including a 230MW facility at Newport in South Wales.
Teesworks Limited chairman Chris Musgrave said: “Battery energy storage is another key piece in the clean energy mix at Teesworks, helping to ensure that energy needs can be met from renewable sources regardless of weather conditions.
“We look forward to working with the experienced team at EOS on this project.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This project is a further key investment in our plan to transform Teesworks into a powerhouse for renewable energy.
“This battery storage facility will not only support the multi-billion pound industries of the future we are bringing to Teesside, but will also provide well-paid work that directly benefits local people.”