Fidra Energy’s Thorpe Marsh project secures approval, paving the way for UK’s largest battery storage site

Fidra Energy, a leading European battery energy storage system (BESS) developer backed by EIG, has secured planning consent for the construction of its flagship Thorpe Marsh battery storage facility in Yorkshire, England. The 1.4GW (3.1GWh) site is set to become the largest battery energy storage project in the UK and one of the most significant in Europe.

The approval, granted by Doncaster Council on 28 January 2025, is a pivotal step in Fidra Energy’s strategy to establish a 10GW BESS portfolio across the UK and Europe by 2030. The project is designed to enhance grid stability, support renewable energy integration, and improve energy security in alignment with the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

A final investment decision is anticipated in April 2025, with construction beginning later that year. The site is expected to be operational by late 2027, providing essential grid flexibility by storing excess renewable energy and delivering power during peak demand periods.

Why is the Thorpe Marsh Battery Storage Project Critical for the UK’s Energy Transition?

The UK’s energy system is undergoing a rapid transformation as the country shifts towards a renewable-powered grid. However, the intermittent nature of wind and solar energy presents challenges in maintaining a stable electricity supply. Battery energy storage solutions, such as the Thorpe Marsh project, address this issue by storing surplus renewable energy when generation is high and releasing it when demand spikes.

According to Chris Elder, Chief Executive Officer of Fidra Energy, battery storage is a fundamental component of the UK’s energy future:

“Thorpe Marsh is one of the most exciting infrastructure projects in the world. Battery storage is a proven, cost-effective, and flexible technology that will be critical for Europe’s energy transition. Our strategy is focused on building and operating large-scale batteries in major markets, and we look forward to accelerating our UK and European growth ambitions.”

The 1.45GW (2.9GWh) capacity at Thorpe Marsh is sufficient to power up to 800,000 homes during peak hours, offering a much-needed buffer against fluctuations in renewable energy generation.

How Will Sungrow’s Technology Enhance the Thorpe Marsh Project?

Fidra Energy’s strategic partnership with Sungrow, announced in November 2024, will play a key role in delivering cutting-edge battery storage solutions for the Thorpe Marsh site. As part of a 4.4GWh agreement, Sungrow will supply its PowerTitan 2.0 liquid-cooled energy storage system, designed to optimize efficiency and enhance grid resilience.

James Wu, Senior Vice President of Sungrow, emphasized the significance of this collaboration:

“This partnership with Fidra Energy represents a shared commitment to energy innovation and investment in the UK’s sustainable future. The PowerTitan 2.0 is engineered for grid-forming applications, significantly strengthening the resilience and stability of the UK’s power grid while enabling long-term participation in the ancillary services market.”

Sungrow’s liquid-cooled BESS technology is tailored to reduce operational costs, improve thermal management, and extend battery life, making it a reliable and scalable solution for the UK’s evolving energy infrastructure.

Where is the Thorpe Marsh Battery Storage Project Located?

The Thorpe Marsh facility is being developed on a 55-acre site in South Yorkshire, adjacent to a former coal-fired power station and a National Grid substation. The choice of location is strategic, leveraging existing infrastructure to seamlessly integrate with the UK’s high-voltage transmission network.

This brownfield redevelopment aligns with the UK government’s push for repurposing former industrial sites for clean energy projects, reinforcing its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.

How Does the Thorpe Marsh Project Fit into the UK’s Energy Strategy?

As the UK accelerates its shift towards renewable energy, large-scale battery storage projects are essential for balancing supply and demand fluctuations. The National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) has emphasized the growing need for flexible energy storage solutions to support increased reliance on wind and solar power.

With the Thorpe Marsh project set to become a key player in this transition, EIG’s Managing Director and Co-Head of Energy Transition, Walid Mouawad, highlighted its importance:

“We are thrilled to see the 1.4GW Thorpe Marsh project reach another critical development milestone. This represents a significant step in EIG’s commitment to advancing large-scale energy assets in the UK and driving the country’s shift to a more sustainable, low-carbon future.”

What Are the Next Steps for the Thorpe Marsh Project?

With planning consent secured, the project is advancing towards final investment approval in early 2025. Construction is expected to begin later that year, with commercial operations commencing by Q4 2027.

Fidra Energy’s collaboration with Sungrow ensures that the UK’s largest battery storage facility will be built using state-of-the-art technology, reinforcing the nation’s energy security and sustainability goals.