Connected Energy, a pioneer in second-life battery energy storage systems, is developing the UK’s most advanced testing facility as part of a major new investment. The company is creating the flagship facility as part of its first wholly-owned and operated grid-scale second-life BESS site, where batteries from multiple electric bus and truck manufacturers will be tested and integrated. The site will also house Connected Energy’s first 5 MWh battery energy storage system, which will trade energy and provide grid services to generate clear evidence of the commercial value of repurposing end-of-life EV batteries.
The new development is located at Scottow Enterprise Park in Norfolk, close to the company’s technical centre. Planning permission has been secured from North Norfolk District Council and construction is moving forward, with the site expected to be operational by mid-2026. The £2 million project is supported by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK as part of a wider initiative to enhance EV battery reuse and recycling.
Founded in 2010, Connected Energy has extensive experience delivering second-life battery energy storage systems, with commercial installations across the UK and Europe. The company has already provided proven second-life storage solutions for partners including Umicore, Volvo and public sector bodies, and is now scaling its business model to include the development, ownership and operation of grid-scale energy storage assets.
Matthew Lumsden, CEO of Connected Energy, said: “This development marks the next step in Connected Energy’s growth. Having successfully shown how second-life BESS can work on a commercial scale, we are now moving to owning and operating grid-scale storage sites, with our first site also functioning as an advanced test facility.” He added that insights from the multi-battery 5 MWh project will shape future, larger deployments, with extensive data gathered to support a scalable commercial model as more second-life batteries become available.
Once electric vehicles reach end of life, their batteries can be repurposed in energy storage systems for applications such as supporting renewable energy generation or behind-the-meter use. This approach extends battery life, delivers additional revenue streams and improves the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of EV batteries, allowing second-life batteries to play an increasingly important role in meeting growing global energy demands.
