Jacobs to support regulatory and consenting strategy for UK’s MESH Energy Storage Project

Project to advance one of the country’s most significant long-duration energy storage projects

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jacobs (NYSE: J) has been selected by EnergyPathways plc to provide consenting, regulatory and key Development Consent Order (DCO) activities for the MESH Energy Storage Project, a project designed to strengthen the United Kingdom’s energy security while supporting the transition to a more flexible, resilient energy system.

Jacobs will manage the project’s planning and DCO strategy and delivery, leading environmental planning, technical coordination and stakeholder engagement to secure consent under the U.K.’s Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project planning process. EnergyPathways is aiming for the MESH project to be operational by 2031, subject to securing the necessary consents and financing.

Located in the Irish Sea with onshore infrastructure connecting into Barrow-in-Furness, MESH is expected to become one of the U.K.’s largest integrated energy storage projects (at 300MW/ 55GWh). It will combine compressed air energy storage (CAES) with natural gas and hydrogen storage to help balance renewable generation and improve energy resilience to offer ultra-long duration energy storage (more than 190 hours).

Jacobs Executive Vice President Richard Sanderson said: “As the U.K. accelerates investment in nationally significant energy infrastructure, successful delivery depends on a consenting strategy that integrates environmental stewardship and robust regulatory planning. MESH represents an important infrastructure development for Barrow-in-Furness and the wider U.K. energy system. Our extensive experience delivering complex infrastructure projects through the Development Consent Order process will support EnergyPathways in navigating planning and regulatory requirements while maintaining project momentum.”

EnergyPathways CEO Ben Clube said: “We are delighted that Jacobs will be joining the MESH project team and working alongside our Tier-1 partner group. Jacobs’ extensive experience in other nationally significant government-led infrastructure and energy projects within the U.K. and their direct experience in delivering complex engineering projects in the Northwest of England will be invaluable as we take MESH forward.”

Jacobs will also support EnergyPathways’ submission to Ofgem’s forthcoming Long Duration Electricity Storage Cap & Floor financial system alongside the Development Consent Order process, leading environmental and technical workstreams and integrating environmental assessment into the consenting strategy. The scope also includes stakeholder engagement with local councils and regional government, support for a grid connection application, and alignment of statutory consents and technical studies with the project schedule. Jacobs will also assess evolving legislation and planning policy to identify consenting risks and help streamline delivery across the parallel regulatory and planning processes.

This appointment builds on Jacobs’ extensive U.K. experience in environmental planning and delivery of complex energy and nationally significant infrastructure projects. Jacobs has supported major projects through the Development Consent Order process, including serving as integration partner for the Lower Thames Crossing program and as program manager on the Thames Tideway Tunnel project.

Since 2023, Jacobs has invested in developing industry-leading experience in compressed air energy storage technology, recognizing its potential as a key long-duration energy storage solution supporting the global energy transition. By combining technical assessments across the full project lifecycle with cost/benefit analysis of compressed air energy storage against alternative energy storage technologies, Jacobs has built deep capabilities to support the development and delivery of these projects worldwide.

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow – delivering outcomes and solutions for the world’s most complex challenges. With approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and a team of approximately 47,000, we provide end-to-end services in advanced manufacturing, cities & places, energy, environmental, life sciences, transportation and water. From advisory and consulting, feasibility, planning, design, program and lifecycle management, we’re creating a more connected and sustainable world. See how at jacobs.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, X and Facebook.

Jacobs employs more than 6,000 people across the U.K., operating from 15 core offices and over 35 additional sites. Working with HM Government, local authorities and the private sector, Jacobs helps shape and deliver the nation’s most critical infrastructure, energy, environmental and community programs — creating social value by improving resilience, driving economic growth and enhancing quality of life.

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