***The 320MW battery energy storage system (BESS) at Monk Fryston, North Yorkshire, is one of the largest of its kind in the UK and could power over half a million homes for up to two hours at a time***
Construction is officially underway on SSE’s largest battery storage project at Monk Fryston, North Yorkshire.
A ceremony to mark the start of construction works on the 320MW facility took place on Tuesday 8th October with representatives from SSE Renewables, principal contractors Morrison Energy Services, and energy storage supplier Sungrow, in attendance.
The project is SSE’s largest battery storage facility in construction and one of the largest of its kind in the UK. Once completed, the site could power over half a million homes for up to two hours at a time, during times of peak demand.*
To mark this significant project milestone, SSE Renewables, Morrison Energy Services, and Sungrow have planted a ceremonial tree near the entrance to the site.
"It’s fantastic to have construction underway on our largest battery storage project at Monk Fryston, and to have been joined by our project partners Morrison Energy Services and Sungrow to mark the occasion.
Heather Donald Director of Onshore Wind, Solar & Battery, SSE Renewables
To be building a battery project of this size and scale is a huge testament to how far we have come in such a short space of time, with our first 50MW battery asset at Salisbury already entering full operations earlier this year.
Battery storage projects like this one at Monk Fryston will be vital in reaching the UK’s net zero targets, providing flexibility to the grid when the sun isn’t shining, and the wind isn’t blowing."
"Following our team commencing work in the spring of this year, we have made significant progress in preparing the site for the upcoming works. We have been innovative across our construction methodology and ensured minimum impact to the environment and carbon footprint across all our activities.
Donnie Whyte Managing Director at Morrison Energy Services
We look forward to continuing to work with SSE Renewables, Sungrow and our supply chain partners to deliver the upcoming phases of works, including the extensive civil construction and complex electrical infrastructure associated with such a large-scale energy storage facility."
"We are proud to be a key partner in the Monk Fryston project. This milestone represents a significant step towards achieving the UK’s net zero targets by ensuring energy resilience and grid stability. Sungrow’s advanced battery energy storage solutions are designed to deliver efficiency, reliability, and scalability, supporting the transition to a sustainable energy future.
Lewis Jindong Li President of Sungrow Europe
We are excited to see this project come to life and look forward to continuing our work with SSE Renewables and Morrison Energy Services to drive innovation in the renewable energy sector."
SSE’s first operational battery storage facility at Salisbury (50MW) entered full operations earlier this year, with a further two projects in construction at Ferrybridge (150MW) and Fiddler’s Ferry (150MW).
With work at Monk Fryston now underway, construction is expected to be completed by early 2026.
*Once complete, the site will be capable of powering approximately 533,000 homes for up to two hours at a time. Calculation is using OFGEMS published average household consumption figures adjusted to reflect a peak in energy demand usage (i.e. winter day time).