National Grid has officially connected the UK’s largest battery energy storage system (BESS) to its high-voltage transmission network at Tilbury substation in Essex, marking a major milestone in Britain’s clean energy transition.
The 300 MW Thurrock Storage project, developed by Statera Energy, is now energised and delivering flexible electricity to homes and businesses across London and the South East. With a total storage capacity of 600 MWh, the system will store surplus renewable electricity and discharge it back into the grid when demand peaks, helping to balance supply and demand in real time.
National Grid reinforced its Tilbury substation to accommodate the additional load, installing new protection and control systems to ensure a robust connection. The site previously served the coal-fired Tilbury A and B power stations, which have since been demolished. The new connection is seen as a symbolic shift from coal power to clean electricity at the historic location.
John Twomey, director of customer and network development at National Grid Electricity Transmission, said: “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. 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.”
Tom Vernon, CEO and founder of Statera Energy, added: “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.”
In addition to Thurrock Storage, National Grid is continuing work at the Tilbury site to connect the 450 MW Thurrock Flexible Generation facility, another Statera Energy project designed to bolster the region’s energy resilience.
The connection follows the July energisation of the 373 MW Cleve Hill Solar Park in Kent, the UK’s largest solar farm, which was also linked to National Grid’s network at Cleve Hill substation.
