Search: SSE Renewables

Aditya Birla Renewables has agreed to acquire Sprng Energy, according to Mercom Capital Group's latest funding and M&A roundup. The transaction involves renewable energy assets in India, though financial terms were not disclosed in the available excerpt. The deal forms part of broader consolidation activity tracked by Mercom in the clean energy sector.

Why it matters: Large renewables M&A in India can reshape the competitive landscape for EV charging infrastructure, as energy developers often bundle charging networks with solar and wind portfolios to serve fleet and commercial customers.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has unveiled what it calls the biggest overhaul of planning, land access and grid connection processes since the start of the Government's clean energy mission. The reforms include streamlining planning rules to cut delays in grid upgrades and renewables, and legislation this summer to introduce permitted development rights for EV charging, enabling cross pavement charging solutions and associated charge points. The Government will imminently launch a consultation on building regulations changes and an Ability to Charge requirement, aiming to increase EV charging provision in new buildings and major renovations while giving renters and leaseholders easier access to request and install charge points.

Why it matters: Permitted development rights for EV charging could significantly reduce planning barriers and accelerate deployment of on street and residential charging infrastructure. The proposed Ability to Charge requirement for new builds and renovations would expand the addressable market for charge point operators and installers, particularly in the residential sector where access has been limited for renters and leaseholders.

SSE Renewables has commissioned the 150MW/300MWh Ferrybridge Battery Energy Storage System on the site of a former 2GW coal plant decommissioned in 2016. Construction began in August 2023 with OCU Energy as contractor and Sungrow supplying 136 battery units; SSE now operates 200MW/400MWh of BESS with a further 470MW/940MWh in the pipeline. Sungrow will also provide 320MW/640MWh of liquid cooled units for the nearby Monk Fryston project.

Why it matters: The delivery confirms OCU Energy and Sungrow as proven partners for utility scale BESS in the UK, while SSE's 670MW total pipeline signals sustained procurement opportunities in grid balancing infrastructure. Repurposing coal sites for storage may streamline planning and grid connection for future tenders.