Fidra Energy Secures Planning Consent for UK's Largest Battery Storage Project

Portfolio | Jan 30, 2025 | EIG Global Energy Partners

Fidra Energy, a subsidiary of EIG Global Energy Partners, has secured planning consent to build the UK’s largest battery energy storage project at Thorpe Marsh, Yorkshire. Known as a battery energy storage system (BESS), the 1,400MW project with a capacity of 3,100MWh will be one of Europe's largest. The project, which received Doncaster Council’s approval on January 28, 2025, will help boost the local economy by creating jobs during its construction and operation phases. It will utilize lithium-ion battery systems supplied by Sungrow to potentially power up to 800,000 homes during peak hours. Set on a former coal station site, the final investment decision is anticipated in April 2025, with operations expected to begin in early 2027. Chris Elder, CEO of Fidra Energy, highlighted the project’s significance in supporting the UK's clean power ambitions. Walid Mouawad from EIG emphasized the milestone as a pivotal advancement in EIG’s commitment to energy sustainability. Fidra Energy focuses on developing large battery projects in the UK and Europe, while EIG, headquartered in Washington D.C., is a major institutional investor in global energy and infrastructure sectors.

Sectors

Renewable Energy
Energy Infrastructure

Geography

United Kingdom – The project is located in Yorkshire, and it involves development plans approved in the UK, contributing to its local and national energy strategies.
Europe – The project is positioned as one of the largest in Europe, highlighting the continental relevance of the energy expansion.

Industry

Renewable Energy – The article discusses a large-scale battery storage project, part of the renewable energy sector, aiming to store excess renewable energy for future use.
Energy Infrastructure – This project involves developing an infrastructure that supports energy storage, a critical component in modern energy systems and the transition to low-carbon energy sources.

Financials

$24.5 billion – Assets under management by EIG as of September 30, 2024.
$49.3 billion – Total investment committed by EIG to the energy sector in its 42-year history.

Participants

Name	Role	Type	Description
Fidra Energy	Developer	Company	A subsidiary of EIG focused on developing and operating battery energy storage projects.
EIG Global Energy Partners	Investor	Company	A leading institutional investor in energy and infrastructure sectors, supporting global energy projects.
Doncaster Council	Approval Authority	Government	The local government authority that granted planning consent for the project.
Sungrow	Supplier	Company	A provider of lithium-ion based battery systems for the project.
Chris Elder	Chief Executive Officer	Person	CEO of Fidra Energy, leading the development of the Thorpe Marsh project.
Walid Mouawad	Managing Director and Co-Head of Energy Transition	Person	Executive at EIG, involved in the strategic development and investment in energy transition projects.