UK BESS: Innova green light for 800MWh unit, Banks sells 2.9GWh project

October 10, 2023
LinkedIn
Twitter
Reddit
Facebook
Email

Developers Innova and Banks Renewables have progressed two large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in the UK totalling 3.7GWh of capacity.

Innova announced the planning approval from Cumberland council for the 400MW/800MWh Blackdyke Farm Energy Storage Project yesterday (9 October), the same day Banks sold the 2.9GWh Thorpe Marsh Green Energy BESS project in South Yorkshire to West Burton Energy.

Blackdyke is the first of Innova’s portfolio of transmission system-connected energy storage projects to be fully consented to. Though Innova did not say when construction would start, it needs to begin within three years of the decision.

“This is the first in a total of 26 transmission connections Innova are developing which, subject to planning, will bring a further 23GW of energy projects to the UK in the next decade and play a significant role in decarbonising our energy system,” said Ryan Adams, managing director of Innova Renewables Development.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Banks Renewables sale of the Thorpe Marsh BESS to West Burton Energy meanwhile came just days after parent company Banks Group sold it to global investor Brookfield.

West Burton Energy will now take the project on through the planning process, construction and into operations, although a timeline was not revealed in the announcement.

See the full version of this article on Solar Power Portal.

Energy-Storage.news’ publisher Solar Media will host the 9th annual Energy Storage Summit EU in London, 21-22 February 2024. This year it is moving to a larger venue, bringing together Europe’s leading investors, policymakers, developers, utilities, energy buyers and service providers all in one place. Visit the official site for more info.

Read Next

January 20, 2026
Global infrastructure investor I Squared Capital has launched ANZA Power, a next-generation independent power producer (IPP) in Australia and New Zealand.
January 20, 2026
BlackRock-backed Akaysha Energy has commenced operations at its 205MW/410MWh Brendale battery energy storage system (BESS) in Queensland, Australia, delivering the project close to five months ahead of the original schedule.
Premium
January 19, 2026
US-based iron-sodium battery manufacturer Inlyte Energy has successfully completed a factory acceptance test of its first field-ready battery at its facility near Derby, UK, witnessed by representatives from US utility Southern Company.
January 15, 2026
BlackRock-backed developer Akaysha Energy is reportedly considering options to raise additional funds, including selling a minority stake, to support the expansion of its battery energy storage operations.
January 15, 2026
While coal and gas power plants grapple with cost increases, Australia’s battery storage sector delivers a different story, with costs plummeting across all durations.