Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 20, National Grid plc has connected the United Kingdom’s largest battery energy storage system (BESS), the 300-megawatt Thurrock Storage project, to its transmission network at the Tilbury substation in Essex. Developed by Statera Energy, the facility is now supplying flexible electricity to London and the South East, as announced in a recent media release.

The 300-megawatt Thurrock Storage project is now delivering electricity flexibly to the network across London and the South East.

With a capacity of 600 megawatt-hours, Thurrock Storage can power approximately 680,000 homes. The system balances electricity supply and demand by storing excess clean energy and releasing it instantly when required. To support this integration, National Grid upgraded the Tilbury substation with new protection and control systems to safely manage the battery’s significant load.

The site, previously home to the coal-fired Tilbury A and B power stations, marks a transition to sustainable energy with the connection of Thurrock Storage. “Battery storage plays a vital role in Britain’s clean energy transition,” said John Twomey, director of customer and network development at National Grid Electricity Transmission. “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.”

National Grid is also advancing work at the Tilbury substation to connect the 450-megawatt Thurrock Flexible Generation facility, another Statera Energy project aimed at meeting regional energy demands. These initiatives strengthen the UK’s energy infrastructure, supporting the shift toward cleaner, more reliable power sources.

The Thurrock Storage project enhances grid stability by providing rapid-response energy, crucial for integrating renewable sources into the network. Its connection at Tilbury underscores National Grid’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and economic benefits for the region, fostering a more resilient and environmentally responsible energy system.