SSE Renewables has officially given the green light for the construction of a substantial 320MW battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Monk Fryston, Yorkshire. This significant milestone marks the company's third BESS development to advance to the construction phase, following the successful progress of its 50MW Salisbury and 150MW Ferrybridge BESS projects.
Construction activities are slated to commence in the coming months, according to an announcement made by SSE Renewables. The Monk Fryston site is a key addition to SSE Renewables' extensive portfolio, as the company holds a secured pipeline of 1.2GW in solar and battery projects, with an additional 1.3GW in various stages of development.
The Monk Fryston BESS project is designed to operate for up to two hours at a time and will serve as a valuable resource for storing energy, which can be released back to the UK national grid during periods of high energy demand, aiding in the effective management of energy peaks.
In an environmentally conscious move, the battery will be situated adjacent to the National Grid's substation in Monk Fryston. This strategic positioning allows for a direct connection to the existing transmission network, eliminating the need for additional grid infrastructure. This approach aligns with SSE Renewables' commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of built infrastructure on the surrounding area.
Richard Cave-Bigley, Director of Solar & Battery at SSE Renewables, expressed enthusiasm about the project's development, stating, “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.”
