Fidra Energy Reaches Financial Close on 500 MW/1.1 GWh West Burton C Battery Storage Project in UK

Fidra Energy has reached financial close on its 500 MW/1.1 GWh West Burton C battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Nottinghamshire, England, securing £231 million in debt financing to advance construction of one of the UK’s largest battery storage facilities.

The project, developed at the site of the former West Burton coal-fired power station, forms part of Fidra Energy’s UK battery energy storage pipeline, which now exceeds 4 GW. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year, with commercial operations expected in 2028.

In addition to equity backing from EIG and the National Wealth Fund, the project has secured £231 million in loan facilities from a consortium of international lenders. The financing package includes a term loan and ancillary facilities, while Nomura Greentech and EIG acted as financial advisers on the debt raise.

Fidra Energy has appointed Sungrow to supply battery energy storage systems for the project, while H&MV Engineering will serve as the principal designer and contractor for the 400 kV grid connection, electrical infrastructure, and the installation and commissioning of the battery systems.

The company has also signed a long-term offtake agreement with Drax Group covering 50% of the project’s storage capacity. Earlier, in March 2025, West Burton C secured a 15-year Capacity Market agreement from the UK Government, with the contract commencing in October 2028.

Commenting on the milestone, Chris Elder, Chief Executive Officer of Fidra Energy, said achieving financial close represents another significant step for the company as it advances one of the UK’s largest battery storage developments. He noted that the project will provide flexible electricity storage by utilizing existing power infrastructure while supporting the country’s transition to a cleaner and more resilient electricity system.

Walid Mouawad, Global Head of Energy Transition at EIG, said the financing reflects continued institutional confidence in large-scale battery storage infrastructure and underscores the sector’s growing role in supporting a more flexible power system. He added that the funding will help accelerate Fidra Energy’s expansion strategy in the UK.

Oliver Holbourn, Chief Executive Officer of the National Wealth Fund, said battery storage is critical to strengthening the UK’s electricity system and renewable energy integration. He noted that the investment demonstrates the fund’s role in supporting commercially viable clean energy infrastructure while attracting additional private capital.

The financial close follows continued progress across Fidra Energy’s UK portfolio, including ongoing construction of the Thorpe Marsh BESS project, the acquisition of the 1 GW Enderby BESS project in Leicestershire, and planning approval for the 1.2 GW Bicker Fen BESS project in Lincolnshire.