UK-based independent energy development company, Carlton Power on Monday announced it has secured planning permission for a 1GW (1040MW / 2080MWh) battery energy storage scheme (BESS) project in Manchester.
Located at the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park, Greater Manchester the permission for planning was granted by the local planning authority, Trafford Council. The £750 million BESS scheme is expected to enhance the security and resilience of the energy system in the Northwest of England, and support renewable power generation in the region.
"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, which will deliver significant economic benefits to the Greater Manchester region and help to deliver the regional net zero targets," said Keith Clarke, Founder and Chief Executive of Carlton Power.
"The investment in the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park over the next 2-5 years demonstrates Carlton's long-term vision and commitment to re-energizing the Trafford site," Clarke added.
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Currently, the company is in talks with companies to finance, build and operate the Trafford BESS. The construction of the battery storage project is expected to begin in Q1 2024 with commercial operations beginning by the final quarter of 2025.
Trafford BESS is the second major energy project in the region by Carlton Power. The other project which has received permission earlier includes Carlton's 200MW Trafford Green Hydrogen scheme; the scheme's first phase (15-20MW) is also set to enter commercial operation in Q4 2025.
"The Trafford BESS, alongside the Trafford Green Hydrogen scheme, places Trafford and Greater Manchester at the forefront of the UK's energy transition," said Tom Ross, the leader of Trafford Council and Green City-Region lead for Greater Manchester.
"The two schemes will help address our climate crisis – one of Trafford Council's corporate priorities - and will support our region's plan to reach a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2038."
In addition to the projects by Carlton Power, Highview Power Storage Inc. is planning to build and operate the world's first commercial liquid air storage system – a £250m 250MWh long duration, cryogenic energy storage system – on the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park, which until early 90s served as coal-fired power station.
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