Canadian Solar Inc., through its energy storage division e-STORAGE, has announced that it will supply a total of 420 MWh AC of battery energy storage systems for two major projects owned by Drax Group, one of the United Kingdom’s leading renewable energy companies. These systems will support Drax’s growing portfolio of flexible generation assets and contribute to strengthening the UK’s energy infrastructure.
The two projects include a 60 MW / 120 MWh AC installation located in Marfleet, England, and a 150 MW / 300 MWh AC installation in Neilston, Scotland. Both projects were originally developed by Apatura, a UK-based energy infrastructure company with a strong focus on large-scale battery storage and digital infrastructure. After being acquired by Drax, the projects are now part of the company’s FlexGen portfolio. Installation work at the Marfleet site is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026, while the Neilston project is scheduled to start installation activities in early 2027.
As part of the agreements signed, e-STORAGE will provide a fully integrated and commissioned battery energy storage system that includes its SolBank 3.0 energy storage batteries. In addition to supplying the technology, e-STORAGE will also deliver long-term operational services under a service agreement. These services will cover system monitoring, preventative maintenance, and performance analytics to ensure the smooth, reliable operation of the assets throughout their lifecycle.
By combining system supply with long-term service support, e-STORAGE aims to ensure consistent performance and availability over the life of the projects. Once operational, both battery systems will play an important role in improving grid flexibility in their respective regions. They will also support the integration of more renewable energy into the UK electricity network by helping balance supply and demand, particularly during periods when wind and solar generation fluctuate.
Lee Dawes, Chief Operations Officer at Drax Group, said that the company is pleased to be working with e-STORAGE and Apatura on these new battery storage assets. He noted that this marks Drax’s first investment in short-duration energy storage and highlighted how these projects will complement the company’s existing portfolio. As the UK relies increasingly on variable renewable energy sources, Dawes emphasized that battery systems like these will help provide secure power during times when weather conditions limit renewable generation.
Giles Hanglin, Chief Executive Officer of Apatura, commented that the Marfleet and Neilston developments are significant milestones in delivering the modern, resilient energy infrastructure required to support the UK’s decarbonization goals. He explained that by bringing together Apatura’s development expertise, e-STORAGE’s technology and Drax’s operational capabilities, the partnership is helping deliver assets that both strengthen grid reliability and enable more renewable power to be integrated into the system.
Colin Parkin, President of Canadian Solar and President of e-STORAGE, added that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building a more flexible and resilient energy system in the UK. He noted that e-STORAGE has already established a strong foundation in the European market and emphasized that the company remains focused on delivering dependable system performance and high-quality service for customers across the region.
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