Hull-based engineering specialist Spencer Group has won a £23m contract for a key role in the development of a pioneering new energy plant which aims to reshape the future of renewable energy.
The Group will design the site layout and deliver the enabling works and civils for a first-of-its-kind energy storage facility which is being developed at Trafford Energy Park in Carrington, Manchester.
The £300m development by Highview Power will store surplus electricity generated from wind and solar, and will be the first commercial-scale plant in the UK to deploy a pioneering new technology known as liquid air energy storage.
Developed by Highview Power in the UK over the past 17 years, the technology allows renewable energy to be stored for up to several weeks, longer than battery technologies.
The plant will be one of the world’s largest facilities of its kind and, once complete, will have storage capacity to provide enough clean and green energy to serve the needs of 480,000 homes.
Spencer Group Executive Chairman Charlie Spencer said: “Highview Power is a leading player in helping the UK achieve its net zero targets and is addressing the key issue of energy storage.
“We have a strong track record of delivering large-scale energy projects and we’re excited to expand our portfolio of works within this field with a project that will play a key role in the UK’s energy transition.”
John Goldie, Highview Power’s Programme Director, added: “We are looking forward to continuing to build and further our relationship with Spencer Group, which we have developed over the past 24 months during the pre-execute phase of the Carrington project.
“We selected Spencer Group based on their expertise and experience in delivering similar type projects and providing innovative and value-added solutions in engineering and construction.”
Spencer Group’s Civils Division will begin work on site in late 2024, with the plant expected to be operational in 2026.
