Masdar Arlington Energy Commences Construction On UK BESS Sites

Masdar Arlington Energy, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, has initiated construction on two new battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in the UK. Located at Royle Barn Road in Rochdale and Welkin Road in Stockport, these facilities will boast a combined capacity of 55MW, capable of supplying power to approximately 25,700 homes. This development aligns with Masdar Arlington Energy's strategy of revitalizing previously industrialized sites through the introduction of BESS projects.

The commencement of these projects marks a significant milestone in Masdar Arlington Energy's pursuit of an ambitious 3GWh pipeline of BESS projects across the UK. This move follows Masdar's announcement last year to commit £1 billion towards BESS projects in the region. Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, emphasized the importance of renewable energy sources and technology, including wind, solar, and battery energy storage, in achieving the global energy transition outlined in the UAE Consensus. He highlighted that the new BESS plants are pivotal in transitioning energy systems away from carbon-intensive power sources.

Husain Al Meer, Masdar Director for Global Offshore Wind & UK, pointed out the critical role of grid-level energy storage in integrating renewable energy into the grid sustainably. He reiterated Masdar's dedication to enhancing storage solutions to facilitate the commercialization of clean technologies. The announcement underscores Masdar's expanding portfolio in BESS projects globally and its commitment to supporting the UK's energy transition.

BESS is seen as a solution to the intermittency challenges associated with renewable energy sources. It enables the storage of surplus electricity generated by solar plants and wind farms for distribution during periods when these sources cannot generate power. The acquisition of UK-based Arlington Energy in October 2022 has propelled Masdar from an investor to an active developer and supporter of the UK's energy transition through BESS and offshore wind initiatives. In 2021, Masdar also established its global headquarters for offshore wind in the UK, assembling dedicated teams to manage its BESS and global offshore wind operations.

With inputs from WAM