SSE Renewables has taken a final investment decision to proceed with, and entered into contracts to deliver, its second battery energy storage system (BESS).
The 150MW project is located at the site of SSE’s former Ferrybridge coal-fired power station in West Yorkshire, England.
The investment is part of SSE’s £25bn Net Zero Acceleration Programme and means construction will now commence later this month at the iconic site.
For decades the Ferrybridge coal-fired power station was a prominent feature of the West Yorkshire landscape, before being decommissioned by SSE in 2016.
Now SSE Renewables’ plans to build a new 150MW battery storage project at Ferrybridge will provide flexible generation for Britain’s national grid and a new era for the site.
With a grid connection confirmed for June 2024, the project is expected to be fully operational by late 2024 and is being developed in conjunction with battery technology supplier Sungrow Power Supply and construction partner OCU Services Ltd.
The news follows last week’s announcement that SSE’s solar and battery team is becoming part of SSE Renewables to progress the development of its near 2GW pipeline of battery and solar projects in the UK and Ireland.
This development will also support SSE Renewables with its plans to expand into Europe to pursue new development opportunities.
This will be SSE Renewables’ second battery storage project in delivery.
The business has a 50MW BESS site already under construction in Salisbury, Wiltshire, due to be completed later this year.
Richard Cave-Bigley, director (solar and battery) at SSE Renewables, said: “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.
“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 £25bn 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.”