The UK’s largest battery energy storage system (BESS) has been connected to its transmission network at Tilbury substation in Essex.

The 300MW, 600MW, Thurrock Storage project will now be delivering greater supply flexibly to the network across London and the South East England. Developed by Statera Energy, it will store excess renewable generation, such as solar and wind, and return it to the grid when needed.

National Grid reinforced its Tilbury substation to ensure the network in the region could safely carry the battery’s significant additional load, with new protection and control systems installed to ensure a robust connection.

John Twomey, director of customer and network development at National Grid Electricity Transmission, said: “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.”

National Grid is continuing work at Tilbury substation to connect the 450MW Thurrock Flexible Generation facility, another Statera project that is set to support the energy needs of the region.

The connection of the UK’s biggest battery follows energisation in July of the 373MW Cleve Hill Solar Park in Kent – the largest solar plant in the country – which National Grid connected to its adjacent Cleve Hill substation.

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