Carlton Power gets green light for 'world's largest' BESS

UK energy infrastructure development company Carlton Power has secured planning permission for what it says is the “world’s largest” battery energy storage scheme (BESS), a 1040MW / 2080MWh project located at the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park in Greater Manchester.  

Planning permission for the £750 million scheme was granted by Trafford Council, the local planning authority.

Subject to a final investment decision, construction of the battery storage scheme is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2024, with commercial operation scheduled fore the final quarter of 2025.  Carlton Power is “in advanced talks with companies” to finance, build and operate the Trafford BESS, a statement said.

The Trafford BESS is Carlton Power’s second major energy project that has been consented for the 12-hectare Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park, eight miles south of Manchester.  The other project is Carlton’s 200MW Trafford Green Hydrogen scheme, the first phase (15-20MW) of which is also set to enter commercial operation in Q4 2025. 

Keith Clarke, founder and chief executive of Carlton Power 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, which will deliver significant economic benefits to the Greater Manchester region and help to deliver the regional net zero targets.  The investment in the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park over the next two to five years demonstrates Carlton’s long-term vision and commitment to re-energising the Trafford site.”

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