Ferrybridge. Image credit: SSE Renewables
SSE Renewables has taken steps to progress the battery energy storage system (BESS) project planned at SSE’s former Ferrybridge coal-fired power station in West Yorkshire, England.
SSE has taken a Final Investment Decision (FID) and entered into contracts to deliver the 150MW project, with construction to begin later this month.
Ferrybridge coal-fired power station was decommissioned by SSE in 2016 after having produced electricity for over 50 years. The West Yorkshire station began generating on 27 February 1966, producing about 462TWh of electricity in its lifetime The renewables company now intends to turn the site into a battery storage project that can provide flexibility for the national grid.
The battery technology is currently being developed by Sungrow Power Supply, together with construction partner OCU Services Ltd. Sungrow will supply their liquid-cooled energy storage system, the PowerTitan, for the project.
According to SSE, the grid connection is confirmed for June 2024, with the project expected to be fully operational by late 2024.
This marks SSE Renewables’ second battery energy storage project in delivery. The 50MW BESS site already under construction in Salisbury, Wiltshire, is due to be completed later this year.
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.
“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.”
The news follows a recent announcement that SSE’s Solar and Battery team is becoming part of SSE Renewables to advance its near 2GW pipeline of battery and solar projects in the UK and Ireland.
