Masdar Arlington Energy, a subsidiary of United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Masdar, has initiated the construction of two BESS projects with 55MW of capacity in the UK.

The BESS facilities, located at Royle Barn Road in Rochdale and Welkin Road in Stockport, will supply electricity to 25,700 homes.

The commencement of these projects is part of Masdar Arlington Energy's strategy of developing BESS facilities on previously industrialised sites.

Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi stated: “To achieve the global energy transition agreed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) consensus [the COP28 agreement], we need to utilise world-changing renewable energy sources and technology, including wind, solar and battery energy storage.

“The two BESS plants we are breaking ground on today underline the critical role energy storage will play in helping energy systems and infrastructure in the UK and across the globe to move away from carbon-intensive sources of power.”

It is part of a broader aim to create a 3GWh pipeline of BESS projects across the UK.

This groundbreaking event occurred one year after Masdar announced its intention to invest £1bn (Dh3.67bn) in the UK's BESS sector.

By storing surplus electricity produced by solar and wind installations, BESS projects ensure a steady supply of power during times when renewable sources are not generating electricity.

Masdar's acquisition of UK-based Arlington Energy in October 2022 helped it change from being an investor to a developer and supporter of the UK's energy transition through BESS and offshore wind.

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and Masdar have reached financial closure on the 1.8GW sixth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in the UAE.

As the preferred bidder, Masdar will oversee the construction and operation of this phase, which will cost $1.5bn.

The solar park will supply clean energy to 540,000 residences and reduce carbon emissions by 2.36 million tonnes each year.