Second battery energy storage system for SSE Renewables

For decades, the Ferrybridge coal-fired power station was a prominent feature of the West Yorkshire landscape, before being decommissioned in 2016.

Now, SSE Renewables is to embark on the start of a new era of clean energy generation for the site, as it delivers its second battery energy storage system (BESS), as part of the firms £25bn Net Zero Acceleration Programme.

Construction will now commence later this month at the iconic site, with a grid connection confirmed for June 2024, which will see the project become fully operational by late 2024.

SSE is developing the 150MW plant in conjunction with battery technology supplier Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ltd. and construction partner OCU Services Ltd.  

It marks the next chapter for Ferrybridge as a vital location for the UK energy system, providing the flexible electricity storage the UK needs to fully use growing renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power.  

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 and these technologies are key to helping SSE deliver on its £25bn Net Zero Acceleration Programme, to provide the green energy we need to decarbonise.   

He added that 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,” he explained.

Lewis Li, President of Sungrow Europe, said: "Sungrow is proud to supply our liquid cooled energy storage system, the PowerTitan, to this landmark project. 

“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.” 

Vince Bowler, Managing Director of OCU Services, commented: “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.” 

Last week, SSE announced its Solar and Battery team was becoming part of SSE Renewables to progress the development of its near 2GW pipeline of battery and solar projects in the UK and Ireland. 

This development will also support SSE Renewables with its plans to expand into Europe to pursue new development opportunities, as 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 year.   

As one of the key drivers of the UK’s energy transition, SSE is investing £25bn through its Net Zero Acceleration Programme in low carbon technology this decade, to accelerate the UK and Ireland’s transition to net zero – creating 1,000 green jobs a year in the process.