SSE Renewables has taken a Final Investment Decision (FID) to proceed with the construction of one of the UK's largest battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in Monk Fryston, Yorkshire.

The 320MW / 640MWh grid-scale battery is SSE Renewables’ third BESS development to reach this stage, following on from its 50MW Salisbury and 150MW Ferrybridge BESS projects. Construction will begin in the coming months.

The construction green-light for Monk Fryston is the latest milestone in solar and battery development for SSE Renewables, which has a secured 1.2GW pipeline of solar and battery projects, with a further 1.3GW under development.


Battery storage has a vital role to play in helping the UK and Ireland decarbonise. Batteries such as the 320MW Monk Fryston project, which can run for up to two hours at a time, will be capable of storing power for release back to the UK national grid when it is needed the most – helping to manage peaks of energy demand.

This helps balance energy supply and demand more effectively and maximise the potential of available renewable technology to power the grid – even when the sun is not shining, or the wind is not blowing.

In addition, the 320MW battery will be located next to National Grid’s substation in Monk Fryston. By directly connecting the battery to the existing transmission network without the need for additional grid infrastructure, SSE Renewables can minimise the built infrastructure impact on the surrounding environment.