UK energy infrastructure company Carlton Power gained planning consent for what it claimed is the world’s largest battery energy storage scheme (BESS). The 1,040 MW / 2,080 MWh lithium-ion battery project is located at the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park in Greater Manchester, England.
Investment totalled £750 million ($964 million). Planning permission was granted by Trafford Council, the company said.
Carlton Power said it is in advanced talks with companies to finance, build and operate the Trafford BESS. Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2024 with commercial operation starting in the final quarter of 2025. This is subject to a final investment decision.
The company said Trafford BESS is its second major energy project to gain planning consent for the 12-hectare energy park. The other project is Carlton’s 200 MW Trafford green hydrogen scheme: the first phase (15–20 MW) is set to enter commercial operation in Q4 2025.
It added that a company called Highview Power Storage is planning to build and operate the world’s first commercial liquid air storage system on the energy park. It is a £250 million ($321 million) 250 MWh long duration, cryogenic energy storage system.
The energy park is the site of the former Carrington coal-fired power station.
Keith Clarke, founder and chief executive of Carlton said: “Carlton Power acquired the former coal-fired power station in 2008 to redevelop the site for new energy projects. With the approval of the BESS, this brings the total investment value of the site to £2 billion.”
