West Burton Energy has acquired the 2900MW South Yorkshire Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project from The Banks Group, marking a significant step in the development of renewable energy storage capabilities.
This BESS project is designed to store excess renewable power generated during periods of surplus electricity supply, subsequently releasing stored energy into the national grid during times of insufficient renewable generation, such as when weather conditions are less favorable for wind or solar power.
The Banks Group initially launched plans for this ambitious project, located on part of the former Thorpe Marsh power station site near Doncaster. Following extensive consultation activities with local residents and businesses, Banks submitted a planning application for the development earlier this year to Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council.
However, the project has now changed hands, with independent power producer West Burton Energy taking the reins. West Burton Energy already operates the West Burton power station and battery energy storage system in Nottinghamshire.
West Burton Energy will oversee the project's progression through the planning process, construction, and operational phases.
Richard Dunkley of The Banks Group expressed pride in identifying and proposing a project that has the potential to become one of the world's largest battery storage facilities. Dunkley stated, “Thorpe Marsh will utilize the site's substantial grid capacity to facilitate the increased deployment of renewable energy technologies on the National Grid network. This will enable more of the energy used in homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals to be generated through renewable means, reducing reliance on unreliable overseas sources.”
Chief Growth and Strategy Officer at West Burton Energy, Morris Van Looy, praised The Banks Group for their efforts in advancing the Thorpe Marsh energy storage project, highlighting its ambitious nature. Van Looy expressed West Burton Energy's enthusiasm for taking ownership of the project, emphasizing its role in enhancing energy security, maximizing renewable energy utilization, and repurposing the former power station site.
The Banks Group received advisory support from Rothschild & Co (corporate finance and M&A) and Ashurst (legal) during the transaction, while West Burton Energy was advised by Burness Paull (legal).
