Masdar has begun commercial operations at its first UK battery energy storage system project, marking a key milestone in its £1 billion investment commitment to the country.
The 20MW facility in Stockport is the first project completed since Masdar acquired Arlington Energy and forms part of a wider 3GWh pipeline of battery storage projects under development across the UK.
Located on Welkin Road, the site can store enough electricity to power around 20,000 homes for more than two hours. Construction began in May 2024.
Masdar also confirmed it will develop two further battery projects in Chesterfield and Cardiff. Together, the sites will have a combined capacity of 150MW 300MWh and will be capable of powering more than 35,000 homes for an entire day.
The investment supports the UK government’s ambition to deploy up to 27GW of battery storage by the end of the decade under its Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.
Battery storage plays a crucial role in balancing intermittent renewable generation by storing electricity when demand is low and releasing it during peak periods.
Husain Al Meer, Masdar Director, Global Offshore Wind and UK, said: “BESS is critical to helping the UK to transform its energy systems, unlock more renewables deployment and bring tangible benefits to consumers, businesses and local communities.”
Masdar said its UK projects are being developed on brownfield and previously industrial sites, with measures to enhance biodiversity and establish community funds.
The company said this approach supports local regeneration while strengthening national energy security.
Masdar completes first project in £1bn UK battery storage investment appeared first on Energy Live News.