Masdar Expands UK Clean Energy Footprint With New Rochdale Battery Plant

Abu Dhabi’s Masdar has launched its second battery energy storage system (BESS) project in the UK, reinforcing its presence amidst rising demand for clean energy. Located in Rochdale, near Manchester, the 35 megawatt/70 megawatt hours plant will generate enough clean energy to power 35,000 homes daily.

This launch follows a similar project unveiled in nearby Stockport in December, according to an announcement by Masdar on Monday. Additionally, Masdar is advancing two further projects in the British cities of Chesterfield and Cardiff, which will boast a combined capacity of 150MW.

All four initiatives form a core part of Masdar’s £1 billion ($1.3 billion) investment pledge toward BESS projects across the UK, aligning with the government's objective to reach up to 27 gigawatts of battery storage by the end of the decade. Financial closure for the four projects was successfully secured last month, with backing of up to £97 million from SMBC and ING.

“As electricity demand grows and renewable generation continues to expand, battery storage is becoming an increasingly vital component of maintaining a secure, reliable and affordable electricity network,” stated Husain Al Meer, executive director of global offshore wind & UK at Masdar. “Our continuing roll-out of our £1 billion pipeline reflects Masdar's long-term commitment to the UK.”

BESS solutions play a crucial role in integrating renewables into modern electricity networks by storing power during low-demand periods and releasing it at peak times. This technology helps balance and stabilize intermittent supplies from renewable sources, enhancing the overall clean energy flow to the grid.

Beyond storage, Masdar remains heavily involved in UK offshore wind projects. Key ventures include a €5.2 billion co-investment with Iberdrola in the 1.4GW East Anglia Three offshore wind unit—capable of powering 1.3 million homes—and the 3GW Dogger Bank South offshore wind farm developed alongside Germany’s RWE.

Jointly owned by Taqa, Adnoc and Mubadala, Masdar has developed global projects surpassing a total capacity of 65GW, with a long-term target of achieving 100GW of renewable capacity by 2030. As part of its broader European expansion, the company recently signed an agreement with Montenegro’s national power utility, Elektroprivreda Crne Gore, to develop two solar projects and a hydro energy storage system.

Despite rapid growth, the International Renewable Energy Agency warned last year that renewable capacity must accelerate by at least 16.4 per cent annually until 2030 to meet the tripling target pledged at the Cop28 climate conference in Dubai.