Masdar has started commercial operations at its 20MW/40MWh battery energy storage system facility on Welkin Road in Stockport, marking the first completed project under its £1 billion investment in UK battery storage.
The plant, capable of powering roughly 20,000 homes for over two hours, is the initial phase of a 3GWh pipeline following Masdar’s 2022 acquisition of Arlington Energy. Two additional BESS projects in Chesterfield and Cardiff are in development, with a combined 150MW/300MWh capacity, enough to supply electricity to more than 35,000 homes for a full day.
The UK government has set ambitious targets under its Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, aiming for up to 27GW of battery storage by 2030 to complement the rapid deployment of renewable energy. Masdar’s portfolio aligns with this objective, providing grid flexibility and enhancing stability by storing surplus energy during low demand periods and discharging it at peak times. These systems are expected to improve energy security, support renewable integration, and help reduce both consumer bills and carbon emissions.
Masdar emphasizes safety and operational security in its UK BESS projects, incorporating advanced fire detection and suppression systems alongside 24-hour CCTV monitoring. Projects are being delivered in consultation with local stakeholders, with social and environmental measures integrated into construction. The Stockport site, located on a brownfield plot, included habitat enhancements for birds and bats, Japanese knotweed management, and the planting of native flora. A community fund is being established to support local initiatives.
The Chesterfield project will repurpose former coal mining land in Calow Green into a hub for clean energy storage while maintaining the region’s agricultural character. Similarly, the Cardiff facility will occupy an industrial brownfield site in Ipswich Road, leveraging existing infrastructure and avoiding new greenfield development.
Masdar’s UK strategy extends beyond battery storage. Its involvement in offshore wind includes a €5.2 billion co-investment with Iberdrola in the 1.4GW East Anglia THREE project, expected to supply 1.3 million homes, and the 3GW Dogger Bank South farm in partnership with RWE. Internationally, Masdar is advancing the Abu Dhabi gigascale 24/7 solar and battery project, combining a 5.2GW solar plant with a 19GWh BESS to deliver up to 1GW of continuous daily baseload power.
