Energy infrastructure developer Carlton Power has got the local planning green light to build what it claims will be the world’s largest battery energy storage scheme.

The 1 GW energy storage scheme will be built at the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park in Greater Manchester, which was until 1991 the site of the Carrington coal-fired power station.

Subject to a final investment decision, construction of the £750m battery storage scheme is expected to begin in the first quarter of next year to enter commercial operation at the end of 2025.

Carlton Power said it was in advanced talks with companies to finance, build and operate the Trafford BESS.

It is the second major energy project to be consented for the 12-hectare Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park, eight miles south of Manchester.

The other project is Carlton’s 200MW Trafford Green Hydrogen scheme. The scheme’s first phase (15-20MW) is also set to enter commercial operation end of 2025.

Last March, the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero shortlisted this £50m green hydrogen first phase to receive funding from the Government in the first Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR1).

Carlton Power also recently secured planning permission for one of the country’s first hydrogen pipelines at the Trafford site.

In addition to Carlton Power’s two projects, US firm Highview Power Storage Inc is planning to build and operate the world’s first commercial liquid air storage system – a £250m 250MWh long duration, cryogenic energy storage system at the Trafford Park.

Keith Clarke, founder and chief executive of Carlton Power said: “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.

“The investment in the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park over the next 2-5 years demonstrates Carlton’s long-term vision and commitment to re-energising the Trafford site.”