energy & infrastructure•Fri, September 11, 2026•4 min read

Fidra Energy Just Cleared a Major Hurdle for the Future of UK Power

Fidra Energy has reached financial close on its 500MW West Burton C battery energy storage project in Nottinghamshire. Backed by a £250 million investment, the project marks a significant step in the UK's transition to a more flexible and stable energy grid.

A Major Milestone for Grid Stability

In a significant move for UK energy infrastructure, Fidra Energy has officially reached financial close on its West Burton C project. This 500MW/1.1GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) is set to be a cornerstone of the country's efforts to manage energy demand more efficiently as it moves away from fossil fuels.

The project, located in Nottinghamshire on the site of a former coal-fired power station, represents a total investment of approximately £250 million. With £231 million in loan facilities secured from a consortium of international lenders, and additional backing from EIG and the National Wealth Fund, construction is slated to begin in 2026, with full operations expected to launch in 2028.

The West Burton C project represents a £250 million investment in UK energy storage infrastructure.

Why Battery Storage Matters

As the UK integrates more renewable energy sources like wind and solar, the grid faces a challenge: these sources are intermittent. Battery storage acts as a massive buffer, soaking up excess energy when production is high and discharging it back into the grid during peak demand.

Capacity: 500MW / 1.1GWh of storage.
Home Power: Expected to support approximately 300,000 homes during peak periods.
Strategic Location: Located adjacent to the former West Burton coal power station and the site of a future prototype nuclear fusion plant.
Developer: Fidra Energy, which currently boasts a UK pipeline exceeding 4GW.

Building a Portfolio of Power

West Burton C is just one piece of a much larger puzzle for Fidra Energy. The company is actively building one of the largest battery storage portfolios in the UK. This includes the massive Thorpe Marsh project in South Yorkshire, which boasts 1.45GW (2.9GWh) of capacity, positioning Fidra as a key player in the UK's energy transition.

We are delighted to have secured the support of existing and new lenders to fund the construction of this project, one of the largest battery energy storage sites in the UK, alongside commitments from EIG and the National Wealth Fund.
— Fidra Energy Representative

Key Takeaways

Fidra Energy reached financial close on the 500MW West Burton C battery storage project.
The project represents a £250 million investment, supported by international lenders, EIG, and the National Wealth Fund.
Construction is scheduled for 2026, with full commercial operations targeted for 2028.
The site will have the capacity to provide electricity to approximately 300,000 homes during peak demand.
Fidra Energy maintains a total UK battery pipeline exceeding 4GW, including the 1.45GW Thorpe Marsh project.

FAQ

What is the West Burton C project?

West Burton C is a 500MW/1.1GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) project located in Nottinghamshire, designed to provide flexible energy storage to the UK grid.

When will the project be operational?

Construction is expected to commence in 2026, with full commercial operations scheduled for 2028.

How many homes can West Burton C support?

The project is expected to have the capacity to supply electricity to approximately 300,000 homes during peak demand periods.

Who is funding the project?

The project is backed by a £231 million loan facility from international lenders, alongside investment commitments from EIG and the National Wealth Fund.