Planning permission has been granted for a new battery storage site near Manchester, poised to become the largest of its kind in the world.
Set to be built eight miles south of Manchester, Carlton Power’s proposed battery energy storage scheme would be the world’s first 1GW-plus project, able to store 1,040MW or 2,080MWh of energy.
Construction could well begin early next year, Carlton said in a statement, though this is subject to a final investment decision and ongoing talks with companies to “finance, build and operate” the site.
Though these talks are at "advanced" stages, according to the developer, the likes of companies which will supply and invest in the project remain to be seen.
“We are delighted to have secured planning consent for the world’s largest battery energy storage scheme and our focus now turns towards financing,” European head Chris McKerrow said.
Carlton announced planning approval on Monday, with the project set to be built on the site of the former Carrington coal-fired power station, bought by the company in 2008.
Alongside the proposed £750mln storage site, Carlton is also developing a £50mln green hydrogen scheme at the 12-hectare Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park, which was granted public funding in March.
“With the approval of the battery energy storage scheme, this brings the total investment value of the site to £2bn,” chief executive of the energy development firm, Keith Clarke said.
Set to dwarf the world’s largest existing battery energy storage system, of 400MW or 1,600MWh and built by Vistra Energy Corporation in California, according to Saur Energy International, Carlton’s site aims to open as early as 2025.