NatPower UK has announced a USD 1.35 billion (£1 billion) investment to construct the UK's largest battery energy storage system (BESS) on Sembcorp Utilities' Wilton International site in Teesside. The 1GW / 8GWh project, named Teesside GigaPark, will be built in phases, starting with 4GWh of storage and expanding to 8GWh--double the typical capacity of current UK systems.

Fully privately funded, the development is designed to ease grid bottlenecks, reduce clean energy curtailment, and support industrial decarbonisation. It also marks a UK-first by integrating grid-scale battery storage with maritime electrification, providing shore power to vessels and enabling cold ironing.

The project will connect to the National Grid via a 1GW, 400kV line and is expected to be operational by 2028.

Stefano D.M. Sommadossi, CEO of NatPower UK and NatPower Marine, said the project would "transform Teesside into a net-zero economic powerhouse" and serve as a global model for clean industrial hubs.

Mike Patrick, CEO of Sembcorp Energy UK, called the site ideal for scaling long-duration battery storage, reinforcing Wilton International's role in low-carbon innovation.

The project will create around 200 construction jobs and ongoing skilled roles. NatPower also plans to contribute USD 2.7 million (£2 million) annually to a community benefit fund and is engaging with local colleges, universities, and supply chain partners.

The Teesside GigaPark aligns with national energy goals, offering grid resilience, emissions reductions, and support for energy-intensive industries such as manufacturing and logistics.