Monk Fryston BESS, one of the UK’s largest battery storage system projects is progressing toward full commissioning this year, following steady construction milestones achieved throughout 2024-2025, including the delivery and installation of battery units. Developed by SSE Renewables, the 320 MW/640 MWh project is set to become one of the largest operational battery storage facilities in the UK, capable of supplying electricity to over 500,000 homes for up to two hours during peak demand. Positioned adjacent to the National Grid substation in North Yorkshire, the project is also designed to enhance grid flexibility and support the integration of renewable energy across the UK power system. This is as more investment continues to be channeled toward supporting renewables penetration and clean energy diversification – with projects such as the £2.5 billion GreenPower Park development steadily taking shape.

Monk Fryston BESS Fact Sheet

Location: North Yorkshire

Capacity: 320 MW/640 MWh

Developer: SSE Renewables

Technology: Lithium-ion (Sungrow PowerTitan)

Construction Start: 2024

Expected COD: 2026

Grid Connection: National Grid substation

Role: Grid stability, renewable integration

Development Timeline

Final Investment Decision: November 2023

Construction Start: May 2024

Battery Unit Delivery: 2025

Current Status as of 2026: Late-stage construction ahead of commissioning

Expected Commercial Operation Date: 2026

Project Team

Developer: SSE Renewables

EPC Contractor: Morrison Energy Services

Battery Technology Supplier: Sungrow

Grid Infrastructure: National Grid

UK to Build its Largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Monk Fryston, Yorkshire

Reported November 4, 2023 – SSE Renewables, a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, has recently made a significant move by giving the green signal to proceed with the construction of a massive battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Monk Fryston, Yorkshire. This venture is set to become one of the United Kingdom’s largest battery energy storage systems, with a capacity of 320MW and a whopping 640MWh of energy storage. The company’s decision to move forward with this project represents a vital step in the field of energy storage, particularly in the context of the UK’s efforts to decarbonize its energy sector.

The Monk Fryston BESS project marks SSE Renewables’ third foray into BESS development, following the successful completion of its 50MW Salisbury and 150MW Ferrybridge BESS projects. Construction is expected to commence in the coming months, and the project is slated for operational use by 2026.

UK’s Largest Battery Storage System to Decarbonize UK, Ireland Energy Landscape

SSE Renewables has recognized the indispensable role that battery storage plays in the broader initiative to decarbonize the energy landscape of the UK and Ireland. Batteries, like the monumental Monk Fryston BESS, have the capacity to store vast amounts of energy. They then release power back into the UK’s national grid precisely when it’s needed the most. This functionality significantly aids in balancing energy supply and demand. This in turn ensures more effective utilization of renewable energy sources, even when the weather conditions may not be ideal.

Substation Co-location

Crucially, the Monk Fryston battery will be strategically located next to the National Grid’s substation in Monk Fryston. This design choice offers a direct connection to the existing transmission network, effectively eliminating the need for additional grid infrastructure. By doing so, SSE Renewables aims to minimize the environmental impact of built infrastructure on the surrounding area.

SSE Renewables’ Solar and Battery portfolio is a testament to its commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Currently, the portfolio comprises four ongoing projects in the UK, boasting a total capacity of 550MW. These projects include the 50MW BESS site in Salisbury, the 150MW BESS site in Ferrybridge, a 30MW solar farm in Littleton, Worcestershire, and the newly-approved 320MW BESS site at Monk Fryston.

Also read: Kyon Energy Receives Approval for 58 MW Battery Storage Project

Additional Projects Across the UK and Beyond

Furthermore, SSE Renewables has plans for an additional 1.2GW of solar and battery projects, with an additional 1.3GW under development. Among these upcoming projects is the construction of a 150MW BESS site on the premises of the former SSE coal-power station at Fiddler’s Ferry, Warrington. While the project has received consent, a final investment decision is still pending. If approved, construction for the Fiddler’s Ferry battery could commence as early as 2024.

SSE Renewables is making substantial strides in renewable energy not only through battery storage but also through onshore and offshore wind, hydropower, and solar initiatives. The company possesses nearly 2GW of operational onshore wind capacity, with over 1GW currently under development. Additionally, SSE Renewables boasts 1,459MW of hydropower capacity, including 300MW of pumped storage and 750MW of flexible hydro.

In the offshore wind sector, the company owns 579MW of operational capacity. This is spread across three offshore sites in UK waters, two of which are operated on behalf of joint venture partners.

UK’s Largest Battery Storage System: What Was Said

Richard Cave-Bigley, Director of Solar & Battery at SSE Renewables, stated, “It’s fantastic that we have taken a Final Investment Decision on the Monk Fryston BESS project, one of the largest battery storage projects in the UK. This is another positive step towards reaching our net zero targets. It will enable us to provide stored energy to the grid and provide balancing energy supply to support intermittent renewable energy generation. In doing so, we will also strengthen the UK’s energy security.”

The Director of Onshore Renewables at SSE Renewables, Finlay McCutcheon, also emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity. Finlay also pointed to the associated large-scale energy storage to support it. He highlighted the company’s diverse portfolio of projects across onshore and offshore wind, hydro, and solar and battery.

SSE Renewables’ venture into large-scale battery energy storage projects aligns with the UK’s broader goals of transitioning to a more sustainable and low-carbon energy landscape. By combining renewable energy generation with advanced energy storage capabilities, the Monk Fryston BESS project and others like it are set to play a crucial role in the UK’s journey toward a cleaner and more resilient energy future.