EDF to optimise 560MW of battery storage at UK’s largest energy storage project in partnership with Fidra Energy

EDF to optimise 560MW of battery storage at UK’s largest energy storage project in partnership with Fidra Energy

(IN BRIEF) EDF will optimise 560MW of battery storage at the Thorpe Marsh project in Yorkshire through a new partnership with Fidra Energy, backed by EIG. Thorpe Marsh, which will become the UK’s largest battery site with a total capacity of 1.4GW, has the potential to power up to 785,000 homes at peak times and stabilise the grid by storing renewable energy. EDF will use its Powershift platform to manage and optimise the batteries, scheduled to be operational in 2027. The collaboration reflects EDF’s commitment to flexible energy solutions and highlights Fidra Energy’s role in transforming former fossil fuel sites into key assets for the net zero transition.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 15-Sep-202 — /EuropaWire/ — EDF has signed an agreement with Fidra Energy, backed by EIG, to optimise 560MW of battery storage at the landmark Thorpe Marsh project in Yorkshire, which is set to become the UK’s largest battery storage facility and one of the biggest in Europe. The two large battery units, scheduled to be operational in 2027, will be managed using EDF’s in-house Powershift platform, ensuring they deliver maximum value across energy markets and provide flexible back-up power for the National Electricity System Operator (NESO).

Located on the site of a former coal power station, Thorpe Marsh is a transformative project in the UK’s energy transition. With a total planned capacity of 1.4GW (2.9GWh), the site will have the ability to power up to 785,000 homes during peak demand, helping to stabilise the grid by storing renewable energy from wind and solar and releasing it when most needed.

EDF will provide route-to-market services for the two battery units and ensure that storage capacity is optimised to support both consumer demand and system flexibility. This latest project builds on the existing partnership between EDF and EIG, which previously collaborated on route-to-market services for West Burton B CCGT Power Station.

Stuart Fenner, Wholesale Market Services Commercial Director at EDF, said:
“Battery storage is vital for building a flexible and reliable electricity system. Thorpe Marsh is a clear example of how we can make better use of renewable energy while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Our Powershift platform is designed to unlock the full value of battery assets and support grid stability. Working with Fidra on a project of this scale demonstrates the impact industry leaders can have when they join forces.”

Chris Elder, CEO of Fidra Energy, added:
“Thorpe Marsh is a landmark project for Fidra and for the UK energy system. Turning a former coal site into the country’s largest battery symbolises the progress of the energy transition. With EDF’s expertise, we can ensure these batteries deliver maximum value for the grid, consumers, and the UK’s net zero ambitions.”

The agreement strengthens EDF’s growing UK portfolio of battery storage projects, underscoring its position as a leading partner in delivering low-carbon, flexible energy solutions.

About EDF

EDF is helping Britain achieve Net Zero by leading the transition to a cleaner, low emission, electric future and tackling climate change. It is the UK’s largest producer of zero carbon electricity and supplies millions of customers with electricity and gas.

It generates low carbon electricity from five nuclear power stations and more than thirty onshore wind farms and two offshore wind farms. Since 2009, EDF has invested almost £8 billion in the nuclear fleet to improve reliability and extend station lifetimes. The five generating stations currently supply about 14% of the UK’s electricity demand.

EDF is leading the UK’s nuclear renaissance with the construction of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C. We also continue to support a replica plant at Sizewell C in Suffolk, which is now majority owned by the UK government. Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C will provide low carbon electricity to meet 14% of UK demand and power around 12 million homes.

EDF is one of the UK’s largest investors in renewables, with more than 1.5GW of renewable generation in operation and over 14GW in construction, planning and development across a range of technologies including onshore and offshore wind, solar and battery storage. We are constructing our largest offshore wind farm in Britain – the 450 MW Neart na Gaoithe project in Scotland.

EDF is helping its customers, both in business and at home, take their first steps to sustainably powering their lives, whether it is buying an electric car, generating and storing electricity, selling energy back to the grid or installing solar panels or a heat pump. EDF is one of the largest suppliers to British business and a leading supplier of innovative energy solutions that are helping businesses become more energy independent. In addition, the company’s energy services business, Dalkia, is one of the largest technical service providers in the UK and Ireland.

EDF is part of EDF Group, the world’s biggest electricity generator. In the UK, the company employs around 14,000 people at locations across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

About Fidra Energy

Fidra Energy is a European battery and energy storage system (BESS) platform owned by EIG. Headquartered in Edinburgh, UK, Fidra Energy’s strategy is to develop, build and operate large battery energy storage projects in the UK and major European markets. Find out more: https://fidraenergy.com/

About EIG

EIG is a leading institutional investor in the global energy and infrastructure sectors with $23.8 billion assets under management as of June 30, 2025. EIG specializes in private investments in energy and energy-related infrastructure on a global basis. During its 43-year history, EIG has committed over $51.3 billion to the energy sector through 420 projects or companies in 44 countries on six continents. EIG’s clients include many of the leading pension plans, insurance companies, endowments, foundations and sovereign wealth funds in the U.S., Asia and Europe. EIG is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with offices in Houston, London, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong and Seoul. For additional information, please visit EIG’s website at www.eigpartners.com.

Media Contact:

email: media@edfenergy.com

SOURCE: EDF