Manchester Energy Park offers 'world class' power infrastructure for hyperscalers
Eclipse Power Optimise, a leading expert in microgrids and private networks, and Carlton Power, the UK’s leading independent energy infrastructure development company, have signed a joint development agreement (JDA) for the Future Point Manchester project. This energy park development in Carrington, Greater Manchester, has been conceived as home to one of Europe’s biggest data centres, creating local jobs, and aligning with the government’s AI Growth Zone plans.
Future Point Manchester has the potential to unlock £10.7 billion of private investment during development and to contribute more than £1.8 billion to the UK each year once operating. Moreover, once complete it will deliver over 3,000 data enabled jobs across the north of England.
Future Point Manchester is co-locating major low carbon power production with large demand users, linked via a private electricity network. The park’s 1.4 gigawatt (GW) bilateral grid connection is scheduled for energisation in 2028 with no upstream reinforcement requirements. It will give Future Point Manchester the energy capacity to host Europe’s largest data centre. In addition, more than 500 megawatts (MW) of onsite low carbon generation will add essential power resilience.
The signing of the JDA formalises the partnership between Eclipse and Carlton Power. It marks a shared commitment to the end-to-end delivery of the energy park – encompassing the design, construction, ownership and operation of local power infrastructure, purpose built to support hyperscale developments of national significance.
"Hyperscale developments are essential if the UK is to deliver on the government’s AI Growth Zone strategy,” said director of development at Eclipse Power Optimise, Alex Howison. “Working together, Carlton and Eclipse are creating an energy park fit for the UK’s ambitions, with the resources and facilities to attract leading hyperscale clients.”
“Manchester already offers world class digital connectivity, with direct links to transatlantic and pan-European fibre networks. It’s home to a thriving digital ecosystem, attracting global hyperscalers such as Microsoft, AWS, Google and Meta. We’re incredibly excited to be building critically important infrastructure that the sector – and region – needs to thrive.”
Keith Clarke, founder and CEO of Carlton Power, said: “The availability of reliable, significant power supply is the defining requirement for hyperscale data infrastructure. The partnership between Carlton and Eclipse ensures that Future Point Manchester will be designed, built and managed by sector leaders, who together bring vast experience and expertise in power generation and power networks.”
The Eclipse Power Group comprises an expert grid consultancy service and a leading Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), focused on adopting and maintaining HV and EHV networks. The group brings a wealth of expertise in connections and power infrastructure to the project. Carlton Power adds complementary expertise in low carbon and flexible power generation asset development, including the nearby Carrington Power (CCGT) gas-fired power station and Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park, which will host green hydrogen production, battery storage and long duration energy storage within the next 2-3 years.
