Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 27, AIP Management has reached an agreement to acquire a 49% interest in a UK-based battery energy storage portfolio with a total capacity of 700MW and 2GWh. The Copenhagen-based investor is partnering with BW ESS, which will retain a 51% controlling stake through a newly established AssetCo. Under the arrangement, BW ESS will oversee both construction and operations for the portfolio.

The portfolio consists of three projects. The Bramley site, with 100MW/331MWh capacity, is already operational. Two other projects, Hams Hall at 400MW/1422MWh and Berkswell at 200MW/712MWh, are currently under construction. Once all facilities are completed, they are expected to collectively provide electricity equivalent to the needs of 2.3 million UK households for up to 3.5 hours. In addition to meeting demand, the assets will contribute to balancing the grid by addressing increased renewable integration, reduced baseload generation and rising congestion challenges.

The projects are strategically located in the Midlands and South-East of England, near major demand centres and close to National Grid substations. This positioning is designed to minimise network congestion risks while ensuring better access to grid balancing services. According to AIP, revenue streams for the portfolio will be supported by capacity market contracts and offtake agreements. These arrangements are expected to provide steady cash flow while maintaining potential for additional returns.

Regulatory approvals are required before the transaction can be completed. Both AIP and BW ESS view the agreement as an important step in expanding large-scale energy storage capacity in the UK, which is becoming increasingly critical to supporting electricity system flexibility and security.

This development highlights the growing role of storage infrastructure in managing energy supply and demand. By pairing operational capacity with projects under construction, the portfolio is positioned to contribute to both near-term and long-term system stability. The partnership also reflects international investor confidence in the UK’s energy storage sector, with AIP bringing investment expertise and BW ESS focusing on project delivery and operational performance.

Once operational, the facilities will not only provide reliable support for millions of households but also enhance resilience in the electricity network as renewable power becomes a larger share of the energy mix. The combination of contractual revenue certainty and strategic locations near major load centres is seen as a foundation for strong project performance.

The acquisition underscores a broader trend of global investment in energy storage assets, aimed at enabling the transition to cleaner and more reliable electricity systems. For AIP Management and BW ESS, the collaboration represents a step toward building a robust portfolio that balances financial stability with operational flexibility.