EnergyPathways has announced its formal acceptance of a gas storage licence offer for its Marram energy storage and decarbonisation hub (MESH) project, paving the way for the development of an integrated energy storage facility in the East Irish Sea.
The UK-based energy transition company has now commenced its formal work programme for the licensed site. This includes a comprehensive environmental, geological and seabed survey scheduled for the third quarter of 2026.
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The licence, which covers a large offshore area, was accepted following an offer from the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA).
The designated area could accommodate up to 60 salt storage caverns, with a view towards creating a multi-terawatt-hour scale energy storage operation.
EnergyPathways emphasised that the MESH project has been recognised as a project of “national significance” by the UK government. The project will integrate compressed air energy storage (CAES), with natural gas storage initially transitioning to hydrogen storage, and aims to provide clean power as well as support hydrogen industries.
Announcing progress on the MESH work programme, EnergyPathways said the upcoming survey data would inform the regulatory, engineering and subsurface aspects needed for further project development.
The company is also assessing the regulatory landscape following the latest government moves in support of long-duration energy storage (LDES).
Recently, Ofgem released its ‘Minded to Decision’ list for the first round of its cap and floor scheme for LDES.
Ofgem confirmed its intention to proceed with a second window for LDES cap and floor, with further guidance expected by the end of 2026.
EnergyPathways has welcomed Ofgem’s announcement and plans to submit its LDES CAES project for consideration under the scheme’s next round.
EnergyPathways CEO Ben Clube said: “Ofgem’s announcement marks another important milestone for the MESH project. It confirms the central role of LDES to the UK’s future energy system.
“Establishing a robust investment framework is essential if the UK is to unlock the LDES infrastructure needed to support an electricity system capable of delivering affordable and reliable power.”
Once operational, the MESH project is targeted to be the largest integrated energy storage facility in the UK, combining CAES with subsea salt cavern storage. The project will be connected to Barrow-in-Furness, which will host its onshore facilities.
EnergyPathways aims for MESH to help capture surplus renewable energy, enhance domestic energy security, cut reliance on imported gas and potentially lower long-term energy costs for consumers.
Subject to regulatory and financial approvals, the project is aiming to begin operations in 2031.
