Manchester Energy Park to power AI growth

Eclipse Power Optimise and Carlton Power today confirmed a joint development agreement (JDA) for the Future Point Manchester project, a major energy‑park scheme designed to support one of Europe’s largest hyperscale data centre campuses.

Spanning the 12‑hectare Carrington site in Greater Manchester, the park will offer a 1.4 GW bilateral grid connection-scheduled to be brought online in 2028 - without requiring upstream network reinforcement. The site will also include over 500 MW of on‑site low‑carbon generation, enhancing power resilience for prospective hyperscalers.

Developer estimates indicate that the project could unlock £10.7 billion in private capital during construction and generate up to £1.8 billion annually once operational. Over 3,000 data-enabled jobs are expected to be supported across northern England, with approximately 250 permanent operational roles onsite and a further 200 construction jobs. Governance projections include 20,600 indirect data-related jobs across the UK.

The JDA formalises the complementary roles: Eclipse, operating as both microgrid designer and Independent Distribution Network Operator, will oversee the private electricity network. Carlton Power brings its expertise in flexible power generation and large-scale energy assets-drawing on its adjacent Carrington CCGT plant and wider Low Carbon Energy Park developments.

Alex Howison, Development Director at Eclipse Power Optimise, commented: “Hyperscale developments are essential to deliver the UK government’s AI Growth Zone strategy. Together with Carlton, we’re creating infrastructure tailored for leading hyperscale clients” .

Keith Clarke, CEO of Carlton Power, added: “Reliable, high‑capacity power supply is the defining requirement for hyperscale data infrastructure. Our partnership ensures Future Point Manchester will be built and managed by sector leaders”.

The broader Carrington Low Carbon Energy Park already includes Carlton’s 200 MW green hydrogen project (subject to government support via Hydrogen Allocation Round 1) and plans for the world’s largest battery energy storage (1 GW / 2,080 MWh), which received planning consent in July 2025 and is expected to be online by late 2025 .

Future Point Manchester remains subject to planning and regulatory approval, but developers anticipate that once complete, it will serve as a flagship hub for energy‑resilient hyperscale capacity in the UK, aligning with national digital and AI ambitions.