Hello and welcome back to In The Pipeline! I’m Emma White, a proud member of the marketing team at OCU Group. In this third episode of our series, we delve into the fascinating world of our Ferrybridge project. Before we dive in, don’t forget to check us out on social media—our Instagram handle is OCU_Group and you can find us on LinkedIn as OCU.
In today’s journey, we embark on a tour of our battery energy storage system site in Ferrybridge, near Pontefract. This episode features insightful chats with Major Projects Director David Finn, Project Manager Julian Reynolds, and Sheck (Safety, Health, Environmental, and Quality) Advisor Barry Wilkinson. Stay tuned to hear more about this landmark project, its significance, and how it contributes to the UK’s net-zero mission.
The Ferrybridge site holds a rich history of powering the UK with its coal-fired plant, decommissioned by our client SSE in 2016. Today, it stands at the forefront of clean energy evolution with the construction of a battery energy storage system (BESS). This new phase promises to bring the vital flexibility required for the UK’s renewable energy future.
BESS are rechargeable batteries that store energy from various sources, discharging it when necessary to balance the electric grid, provide backup, and ensure grid stability. Once completed at the end of 2024, the Ferrybridge BESS will provide a total of 300 megawatt-hours of flexible capacity, operating for two hours at a time.
Vince Bowler, Managing Director of OCU Services, expressed great pride in breaking ground on the 150 MW BESS at Ferrybridge, marking a significant project milestone. We collaborate with SSE Renewables and SunGrow, propelling low-carbon technology forward.
Major Projects Director: David Finn
David Finn, Major Projects Director at OCU Services, shared his views on the Ferrybridge project, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of managing such a massive undertaking.
“It’s interesting and challenging,” David remarked, adding that transitioning into his current role has been a learning curve. He highlighted the importance of a strong team and the good support they’ve received from day one, making it an overall positive experience.
Project Manager: Julian Reynolds
Julian Reynolds, the Project Manager, described the Ferrybridge project as a “breath of fresh air.” He brings his vast experience as an electrician and familiarity with the site to ensure seamless progress.
Julian emphasized the project’s international dimensions, with components sourced globally, adding to the excitement and complexity of the task.
Sheck Advisor: Barry Wilkinson
Barry Wilkinson, or Baz as he prefers, is the Sheck Advisor on-site. With a rich background serving in the British Army and extensive experience in health and safety, Baz ensures that the highest safety standards are maintained.
Barry walked us through the site, explaining the measures taken to maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment, reinforcing the company’s commitment to safety.
The Ferrybridge project doesn’t only focus on energy storage but also on sustainability. The team has crushed and recycled over 6,000 cubic meters of concrete, reusing it as backfill for the piling mats. Off-site casting of concrete bases further minimizes the carbon footprint—indicative of our dedication to sustainable practices.
As construction ramps up, the next major steps involve installing bases for the battery cabinets and constructing a new transformer bay, which houses a 150-ton transformer. By next Christmas, we aim to complete the substantial groundwork and cable installations.
In addition to our site progress, OCU Group has celebrated several achievements and events:
As we continue our journey through renewable energy projects, stay tuned for more updates from Ferrybridge and other exciting sites. In our next episode, we’ll address mental health support measures at OCU Group and share strategies for reducing stress during Stress Awareness Week.
Thank you all for tuning in, and we look forward to seeing you on our next adventure!
