Ferrybridge: SSE moves forward with plan to deliver battery energy storage system at site of former power station

Ferrybridge coal-fired power station was a prominent feature of the West Yorkshire landscape for decades before being decommissioned by SSE in 2016. Construction on the new project is set to commence later this month.

Richard Cave-Bigley, director (Solar and Battery) at SSE Renewables, said: “Reaching Final Investment Decision for our Ferrybridge battery storage project is another exciting landmark for us. Located next to the former Ferrybridge coal power station, this important new project demonstrates clearly the transition to net zero while supporting new green jobs.

“SSE Renewables has almost 2GW of battery and solar projects currently in development or under construction. These technologies are key to helping SSE deliver on its Net Zero Acceleration Programme to provide the green energy we need to decarbonise.

“By building out more battery storage, we can get more renewable power onto the Grid. That’s because batteries store power in times of surplus generation and release it when it’s needed the most – helping us bring flexibility and balance to the Grid.”

Battery energy storage systems allow energy from sources including wind or solar to be stored and saved for when power is in peak demand. Current estimates note that the UK will need around ten times its current capacity for energy storage to achieve net zero.

The new system will be SSE Renewables’ second battery storage project in delivery. The business has a 50MW BESS site already under construction in Salisbury, Wiltshire, due to be completed later this in 2023.

With a grid connection confirmed for June 2024, the project is expected to be fully operational by late 2024 and is being developed in conjunction with battery technology supplier Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ltd. and construction partner OCU Services Ltd.

Vince Bowler, managing director of OCU Services, said: “We are immensely proud to be supporting our valued customer in the safe and successful delivery of this low carbon technology, that will be critical in meeting the UK’s peak demand and flexibility power requirements associated with energy storage systems.”

The news follows last week’s announcement that SSE’s Solar and Battery team is becoming part of SSE Renewables to progress the development of its near 2GW pipeline of battery and solar projects in the UK and Ireland.

SSE Renewables notes the development will also support its plans to expand into Europe to pursue new development opportunities.

The project is part of SSE’s £25bn Net Zero Acceleration Programme, through which it is investing £25bn in low carbon technology this decade.

Lewis Li, president of Sungrow Europe, said: "We are excited for what is to come with our partnership with SSE Renewables as we work towards maximising the profitability for the project with cutting-edge products and services.”