Former Manchester coal plant to house world’s largest battery storage project

UK based energy development company Carlton Power has taken an important next step in building what is being touted as the world’s largest battery energy storage project, a 1040MW/2080MWh installation at the site of a former coal-fired power plant.

Carlton Power says it has received planning permission from Trafford Council in Greater Manchester, and  -subject to a final investment decision – will build the massive batter at the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park, no far from the famous Old Trafford home ground of football giants Manchester United.

Until 1991 the site was the Carrington coal-fired power station.

If Carlton Power move forward, the 1040MW/2080MWh Trafford BESS would be the company’s second project at the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park, following the planned 200MW Trafford Green Hydrogen scheme which is expected to enter operation by the end of 2025.

“Carlton Power acquired the former coal fired power station in 2008 to redevelop the site for new energy projects,” said Keith Clarke, founder and CEO of Carlton Power.

“With the approval of the BESS, this brings the total investment value of the site to £2bn, which will deliver significant economic benefits to the Greater Manchester region and help to deliver the regional net zero targets.”

Carlton Power’s Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park will also play host to the world’s first commercial liquid air storage system, a £250m 250MWh long duration, cryogenic energy storage system to be developed by Highview Power Storage.