en.Wedoany.com Reported - Sumitomo Corp. is expanding its battery energy storage system (BESS) business in the UK through strategic partnerships and project investments. The company has established a strategic partnership with GRID's fund management company, Gresham House Ltd (GH), to develop five utility-scale BESS projects with a total planned capacity of approximately 694 MW in the UK.
Currently, about 50% of the UK's electricity comes from renewable energy sources. With policy support, efforts are underway to deploy BESS on a large scale to ensure stable power supply. Sumitomo Corp. already operates renewable energy businesses in the UK, including offshore wind power and electricity trading. This initiative aims to contribute to building a more resilient and economically viable power system by expanding its large-scale BESS business.
In the project plan, the first three projects initially invested in by STP have a total capacity of 397 MW, with related construction scheduled to commence within the current fiscal year. The remaining two projects, for which STP has secured exclusive development rights, have a total capacity of 297 MW. These projects will be advanced concurrently to achieve a phased expansion of a robust project portfolio.
The UK government has set ambitious renewable energy targets, and the role of grid-scale BESS in balancing supply and demand and maintaining grid stability is becoming increasingly critical. At the same time, the regulatory framework supporting the BESS industry is gradually strengthening, with demand expected to grow further in the coming years. In July 2025, Sumitomo Corp. signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK government's Department for Business and Trade’s Office for Investment to promote commercial investment in the UK, with this BESS plan positioned as one of the projects under the MoU framework.
Partner GH is a leading developer and operator in the UK BESS sector, with a development track record of approximately 1 GW (accounting for about 15% of the UK's BESS capacity). Sumitomo Corp. plans to combine GH's development and operational capabilities with its own business platform and BESS expertise to further expand its global BESS business, including in the UK, while contributing to the stable power supply essential for supporting the wider adoption of renewable energy.
Sumitomo Corp. has accumulated a track record in project development, asset ownership, and operational management across the BESS value chain in Japan, including a battery energy storage project on Koshikijima Island in Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Its wholly owned subsidiary, OPTECH Energy Co., Ltd, has also developed advanced capabilities in optimizing grid-connected battery energy storage assets across Japan, enhancing asset performance and creating value through the electricity market.
Based on these capabilities, Sumitomo Corp. will combine the expertise accumulated in Japan with its partnership with GH to expand its battery energy storage business globally, using Japan and the UK as strategic hubs. Through these initiatives, the company aims to contribute to the stability of global energy markets via a more resilient and flexible power system.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
