2mwh Energy Storage Container System Halkidiki Bess

Could a £750m battery energy storage scheme be the world's largest?

Planning permission has been granted for a £750m battery energy storage scheme (BESS) near Manchester. Carlton Power, the independent energy-infrastructure developer behind the venture, said the 1GW facility at the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park would be the world's largest battery-storage facility.

What is the Bess scheme?

The £750m BESS scheme will strengthen the security and resilience of the energy system in the North West of England, and support the energy transition and the growth of renewable power generation in the region. Planning permission for the BESS was granted by Trafford Council, the local planning authority.

What is Carlton power's Trafford Bess project?

The Trafford BESS is Carlton Power's second major energy project that has been consented for the c12 hectare Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park, eight miles south of Manchester. The other project is Carlton's 200MW Trafford Green Hydrogen scheme; the scheme's first phase (15-20MW) is also set to enter commercial operation in Q4 2025.

When will Trafford be able to build a battery storage scheme?

Planning permission for the BESS was granted by Trafford Council, the local planning authority. Subject to a final investment decision, construction of the battery storage scheme is expected to begin in the first quarter of next year (2024) with it entering commercial operation in the final quarter of 2025.

What does Trafford Bess mean for Greater Manchester?

Councillor Tom Ross, the leader of Trafford Council and Green City-Region lead for Greater Manchester, said: “The Trafford BESS, alongside the Trafford Green Hydrogen scheme, places Trafford and Greater Manchester at the forefront of the UK's energy transition.

What is the Hyde Bess project?

The Hyde BESS project is the sixth project that Pulse Clean Energy has successfully energised since 2023 and reflects its ongoing mission to deliver renewable energy infrastructure that lowers costs and reduces carbon emissions, while enhancing the reliability of the UK's power system.