Energy firm opens its first battery storage site

Energy firm SSE has opened its first battery storage site in Wiltshire, which it said would play a "key" role in the UK's commitment to net zero.

Net zero means the amount of greenhouse gas emissions put into the atmosphere and the amount taken out will add up to zero.

The site in Salisbury is now part of the country's wholesale energy market and is capable of storing up to 100 MWh of energy for release when needed to the National Grid.

SSE said the site could power up to 80,000 homes for two hours during times of peak demand.

MP for Salisbury and paymaster general John Glen opened the site, and said: "This welcome investment means supply of energy from renewable sources is reliable."

Construction began on a site next to the old Quidhampton Quarry at Salisbury in 2022, with technology group Wärtsilä.

Solar and battery director at SSE, Richard Cave-Bigley, said: "It's with great pride that our first battery storage project at Salisbury is now fully operational, a huge milestone for everybody at SSE Renewables.

"Being a first-of-a-kind project for SSE, the project team has done a tremendous job throughout construction, and I'd like to congratulate everybody involved for their efforts to get to this stage, and I’d like to thank our project partners, Wärtsilä, for their work.

"Salisbury... will be a fantastic asset for SSE Renewables and our growing operational portfolio."

The technology works by storing energy when renewable output is high, then when output is lower but demand is high, the energy is released.

SSE believes the storage sites will play an important role as the country phases out carbon-intensive energy.

The firm is also constructing similar sites at Ferrybridge, in West Yorkshire, which will open in 2025, and Monk Fryston in North Yorkshire, which is set to open in 2026.