The first commercial-scale liquid air energy storage (LAES) plant in the UK is to be built in Carrington, Manchester, marking a significant development in Britain's move towards clean, renewable power.
Plans have been revealed for a £300m energy storage plant in Carrington Highview Power has secured the backing of the UK Infrastructure Bank and the energy industry leader Centrica with a £300 million investment for the first commercial-scale liquid air energy storage (LAES) plant in the UK.
Alistair Houghton Business Live Editor Highview Power's proposed energy storage plant at Carrington, Greater Manchester (Image: Highview Power) A £300m energy storage plant that could create hundreds of jobs is being built in Carrington - and its backers say shows Greater Manchester is leading the way in helping the UK go green.
Credit: Highview Power UK Infrastructure Bank and British Gas-owner Centrica are the primary funders for Highview Power's proposed liquid air energy storage plant next to the former Carrington Power Station off Manchester Road. This would be the first commercial-scale liquid air energy storage plant in the UK, according to Highview.
Highview Power has been backed by energy giant Centrica and the UK Infrastructure Bank to build the first commercial-scale liquid air energy storage (LAES) plant in the UK, at Carrington. The company says building work will start immediately and the plant, which got initial planning consent in 2021, should be operational by early 2026.
By capturing and storing excess renewable energy, which is now the cheapest form of electricity, storage can help keep energy costs from spiralling, and power Britain's homes with 24/7 renewable clean energy.
It says that by creating a network of storage plants across the UK, starting in Carrington, it can help provide a stable supply of green energy to the National Grid. Chris O'Shea, group chief executive at Centrica said: “The energy transition is an opportunity that could transform lives across the UK.