SSE Renewables to build 640MWh UK battery

SSE Renewables has taken a final investment decision (FID) to proceed with the construction of one of the UK’s largest battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in Monk Fryston, Yorkshire in the UK

The 320MW / 640MWh grid-scale battery is SSE Renewables’ third BESS development to reach this stage, following on from its 50MW Salisbury and 150MW Ferrybridge BESS projects. Construction will begin “in the coming months”, a SSE Renewables statement said.

SSE said the Monk Fryston project would run for up to two hours at a time. It will be located next to National Grid’s substation in Monk Fryston. 

Richard Cave-Bigley, director of solar & battery at SSE Renewables, said: "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."