National Grid connects UK’s largest battery at Tilbury substation, powering up to 680,000 homes

National Grid connects UK’s largest battery at Tilbury substation, powering up to 680,000 homes

(IN BRIEF) National Grid has connected the UK’s largest battery storage system, the 300MW Thurrock Storage project developed by Statera Energy, to its transmission network at Tilbury substation in Essex. With 600MWh of capacity, the facility can power up to 680,000 homes and help balance renewable supply and demand. The project represents a symbolic shift at Tilbury, once home to coal-fired power stations, and marks another step in Britain’s clean energy journey. National Grid continues work at Tilbury to connect further projects, including Statera’s 450MW Thurrock Flexible Generation facility, following recent success in linking the UK’s biggest solar park at Cleve Hill.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 20-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — National Grid has successfully connected the UK’s largest battery energy storage system (BESS) to its transmission network at Tilbury substation in Essex, underlining a major milestone in Britain’s transition to clean energy. The 300MW Thurrock Storage project, developed by Statera Energy, is now energised and already delivering flexible electricity to London and the wider south east.

With a capacity of 600MWh, Thurrock Storage can provide enough energy to power up to 680,000 homes, offering a critical balancing function by storing excess renewable generation and releasing it instantly when demand peaks. This ability to stabilise supply helps the grid better integrate solar and wind power, ensuring reliable electricity across the region.

The connection carries strong symbolic value: Tilbury substation once powered the nation with coal, serving the now-demolished Tilbury A and B coal-fired plants. Today, reinforced with upgraded protection and control systems to accommodate the new load, the site is playing a central role in supporting a low-carbon future.

“Battery storage plays a vital role in Britain’s clean energy transition. Connecting Thurrock Storage, the UK’s biggest battery, to our transmission network marks a significant step on that journey,” said John Twomey, Director of Customer and Network Development at National Grid Electricity Transmission. “Our Tilbury substation once served a coal plant, and with battery connections like this, it’s today helping to power a more sustainable future for the region and the country.”

Statera Energy, which developed the facility, sees Thurrock Storage as an essential component of the UK’s renewable energy landscape. Tom Vernon, CEO and Founder of Statera Energy, commented: “We are delighted that Thurrock Storage is now energised, following its successful connection to the grid by National Grid Electricity Transmission. Increasing BESS capacity is essential for supporting the grid when renewable generation, such as solar and wind, is low or changes quickly. It ensures that energy can be stored efficiently and returned to the grid whenever it’s needed.”

National Grid is also advancing additional connections at Tilbury, including the 450MW Thurrock Flexible Generation facility, another Statera project, to further strengthen regional supply. This follows the July energisation of Cleve Hill Solar Park in Kent – the UK’s largest solar plant – also connected by National Grid to its adjacent substation. Together, these developments highlight the accelerating pace of Britain’s energy transition from coal to clean power.

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SOURCE: National Grid