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.
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, allowing them to 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, ensuring a more effective utilization of renewable energy sources, even when the weather conditions may not be ideal.
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.
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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 spread across three offshore sites in UK waters, two of which are operated on behalf of joint venture partners.
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, enabling us to provide stored energy to the grid and provide balancing energy supply to support intermittent renewable energy generation, and, in doing so, strengthening the UK’s energy security.”
The Director of Onshore Renewables at SSE Renewables, Finlay McCutcheon, emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity and 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.
