Masdar starts operations at second UK BESS
Published by Jessica Casey,
Editor
Energy Global,
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, a global clean energy leader, has strengthened its commitment to UK energy security with its second battery energy storage system (BESS) project in the country starting commercial operations. The opening of the facility in Rochdale is the latest milestone in Masdar’s planned £1 billion investment programme in BESS projects in the UK.
The 35 MW/70 MWh Rochdale plant will provide enough clean power for 35 000 homes per day, based upon two charging and discharging cycles per day. The facility will also provide critical grid balancing services, responding to fluctuations in supply and demand within milliseconds to help maintain a secure and reliable electricity network.
Following its acquisition of Arlington Energy in 2022, Masdar committed to developing a 3 GWh pipeline of BESS projects in the UK, one of the largest in the country. The portfolio will play a vital role in supporting the integration of renewables into the country’s energy mix and enhancing grid stability, with the aim of lowering consumer bills.
The investment is aligned with the UK government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which is targeting building up to 27 GW of battery storage by the end of this decade.
Husain Al Meer, Executive Director, Global Offshore Wind & UK, Masdar, said: “Beginning commercial operations at our Rochdale facility is a key milestone in our £1 billion commitment to UK battery storage. As electricity demand grows and renewable generation continues to expand, battery storage is becoming an increasingly vital component of maintaining a secure, reliable and affordable electricity network. Our continuing rollout of our £1 billion pipeline reflects Masdar's long-term commitment to the UK and we are proud to be supporting the country's energy security by delivering the flexible infrastructure needed to enable greater renewable energy deployment.”
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Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/energy-storage/24082026/masdar-starts-operations-at-second-uk-bess/