Fidra Energy, an Edinburgh-based battery energy storage system (BESS) platform, has reached financial close on the UK's largest standalone BESS project at Thorpe Marsh, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

The company secured up to £445 million in equity investment from EIG and the National Wealth Fund (NWF), with an additional £594 million in loan facilities from international lenders. Construction is set to begin immediately, with the project expected to be operational by mid-2027.

The 1400 MW/3100 MWh facility will become the largest battery storage project in the UK and one of the largest in Europe. Once online, it will have the capacity to supply approximately 785,000 homes annually, contributing significantly to the UK's clean energy goals and grid resilience.

The project has already secured long-term offtake agreements for 80% of its capacity with EDF, Octopus Energy, and Statkraft. Additionally, it has been awarded a 15-year capacity market contract starting in October 2028.

Fidra's delivery partners include Sungrow (battery systems), H&MV Engineering (grid connection and electrical design), and Jones Bros. Civil Engineering UK (civil works).