In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable energy solutions, SSE Renewables has officially announced the green light for the construction of a 150MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Warrington, Cheshire. This milestone decision marks SSE Renewables’ commitment to repurposing the site of the former Fiddler’s Ferry coal-fired power station for clean and efficient energy storage.
The 150MW / 300MWh grid-scale battery, the fourth of its kind for SSE Renewables, has received the final investment approval, bringing the total megawatts of battery storage projects under construction to an impressive 670MW. The Fiddler’s Ferry location, once owned and operated by SSE, ceased operations in March 2020, with recent demolition activities clearing the way for this innovative energy storage initiative.
Utilizing the existing grid connection infrastructure, the battery storage project at Fiddler’s Ferry is poised to play a crucial role in meeting energy demands during peak times. The facility, capable of running for up to two hours consecutively, aims to contribute to the effective management of energy supply and demand, ensuring a stable power grid even when renewable sources face limitations due to weather conditions.
Richard Cave-Bigley, Director of Solar & Battery at SSE Renewables, expressed excitement about the development, stating, “It is very exciting to have taken a final investment decision for our 150MW Fiddler’s Ferry BESS project in Warrington. Similar to our Ferrybridge project, our grid-scale battery at Fiddler’s Ferry will be built on what was a former SSE-owned coal-fired power station and highlights the transition away from fossil fuels towards a net zero future. Our solar and battery business continues to grow and thrive and this latest milestone at Fiddler’s Ferry is a great way to round off the year.”
This strategic move aligns with SSE Renewables’ broader vision for a sustainable future. The company is actively investing in solar and battery projects, boasting a secured 1.2GW pipeline with an additional 1.3GW under development in the UK and Ireland. Over half of the 1.2GW secured pipeline is currently in the construction phase, demonstrating SSE Renewables’ commitment to rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity.
Notably, SSE Renewables is investing approximately £7bn by 2027, averaging nearly £4 million per day, to support SSE’s Net Zero Acceleration Programme. This initiative addresses climate change head-on, including plans to increase installed renewable energy capacity to around 9GW by 2027, with the construction of the world’s largest offshore wind farm in progress. The Fiddler’s Ferry BESS project stands as a testament to SSE Renewables’ dedication to a sustainable and green energy future.
