Construction is now underway on SSE’s largest battery storage project, a 320MW installation at Monk Fryston, in North Yorkshire.
A ceremony to mark the start of construction works on the battery energy storage system (BESS) project took place on Tuesday 8 October with representatives from SSE Renewables, principal contractors Morrison Energy Services and energy storage supplier Sungrow, in attendance.
Once completed in early 2026, the site could power over half a million homes for up to two hours at a time, during times of peak demand.
Heather Donald, Director of Onshore Wind, Solar & Battery, SSE Renewables, said: “It’s fantastic to have construction underway on our largest battery storage project at Monk Fryston, and to have been joined by our project partners Morrison Energy Services and Sungrow to mark the occasion.
“To be building a battery project of this size and scale is a huge testament to how far we have come in such a short space of time, with our first 50MW battery asset at Salisbury already entering full operations earlier this year.
“Battery storage projects like this one at Monk Fryston will be vital in reaching the UK’s net zero targets, providing flexibility to the grid when the sun isn’t shining, and the wind isn’t blowing.”
Donnie Whyte, Managing Director at Morrison Energy Services, said: “Following our team commencing work in the spring of this year, we have made significant progress in preparing the site for the upcoming works.
“We have been innovative across our construction methodology and ensured minimum impact to the environment and carbon footprint across all our activities.
“We look forward to continuing to work with SSE Renewables, Sungrow and our supply chain partners to deliver the upcoming phases of works, including the extensive civil construction and complex electrical infrastructure associated with such a large-scale energy storage facility.”
Lewis Jindong Li, President of Sungrow Europe, said: “We are proud to be a key partner in the Monk Fryston project.
“This milestone represents a significant step towards achieving the UK’s net zero targets by ensuring energy resilience and grid stability.
“Sungrow’s advanced battery energy storage solutions are designed to deliver efficiency, reliability, and scalability, supporting the transition to a sustainable energy future.”