EDF signs long-term optimisation deal with Fidra Energy for UK’s largest battery storage project
- EDF to optimise 560MW of battery storage at Thorpe Marsh in Yorkshire, part of the UK’s largest battery project
- The project as a whole will be capable of powering up to 785,000 homes at peak times and boosting grid stability
- Agreement strengthens EDF and Fidra Energy partnership and showcases EDF’s Powershift platform for battery optimisation
EDF, Britain’s biggest generator of zero carbon electricity, has agreed a partnership with Fidra Energy, backed by EIG, to manage and optimise two large battery storage units at the Thorpe Marsh project in Yorkshire. Together, these units will provide 560MW of storage capacity.
Thorpe Marsh is set to become the UK’s largest battery storage site and among the largest in Europe, with a total planned capacity of 1.4GW (2.9GWh). Built by Fidra Energy on the site of a former coal power station and next to a major National Grid substation, this will be a significant project in the UK’s energy transition. Once complete, the site will be able to power up to 785,000 homes at peak times and help stabilise the grid by storing renewable energy from wind and solar for when it’s needed most.
Under the new agreement, EDF will provide route-to-market services and help ensure the two battery units are used in the most effective way. Scheduled to become operational in 2027, the batteries will play a key role in electricity supply and demand. EDF will use its in-house Powershift platform to make sure the batteries provide value across the energy markets, while also giving the National Electricity System Operator (NESO) fast and flexible back-up power.
Fidra Energy, launched by EIG in 2024, has quickly grown into a major player in the UK energy market. EDF and EIG already have a strong working relationship, having previously partnered on route-to-market services for West Burton B CCGT Power Station.
Stuart Fenner, Wholesale Market Services, Commercial Director at EDF said: "Battery storage is vital for a flexible and reliable electricity system. Thorpe Marsh will help the UK make better use of renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Our Powershift platform is designed to unlock the full value of battery assets while supporting the stability of the grid. Working with Fidra on a project of this scale shows what can be achieved when industry leaders join forces".
Chris Elder, Fidra Energy’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Thorpe Marsh is a landmark project for Fidra and for the UK energy system. Transforming a former coal site into the country’s largest battery shows how the energy transition can deliver real change. With EDF’s expertise we can ensure these batteries provide maximum value for the grid, for consumers and for the UK’s net zero goals”.
The agreement adds to EDF’s growing portfolio of battery storage projects across the UK and strengthens its role as a leading partner in the transition to cleaner, more flexible energy.
About EDF
EDF is driving the transition towards An Electric Britain – a secure, affordable, low-carbon future for everyone. As Britain’s biggest generator of zero carbon electricity, we are investing more than £100 million weekly in Britain’s electricity infrastructure. We supply millions of customers with electricity and help homes and businesses switch to electricity for heating, transport and industrial processes.
We operate five nuclear power stations and more than 35 onshore wind farms and three offshore wind farms. Since 2009, EDF has invested almost £9 billion in the nuclear fleet to improve reliability and extend station lifetimes. The five generating stations currently supply about 12% of the UK’s electricity demand.
EDF is building the UK's nuclear renaissance with the construction of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C. We are a minority investor (12.5%) in and major supplier to a replica plant at Sizewell C in Suffolk. Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C will provide low carbon electricity to meet 14% of UK demand and power around 12 million homes. EDF Group companies Framatome and Arabelle Solutions have a presence in the UK and manufacture critical equipment such as reactor pressure vessels and turbines.
EDF is enabling its 5 million customers, both in business and at home, to choose electric solutions that save cash and carbon, whether it is buying an electric car, generating and storing electricity, selling energy back to the grid or installing solar panels or a heat pump. In 2025, EDF’s Customers business was ranked as one of the Sunday Times’s Best Place to Work.
It is also one of the UK’s leading developers of renewable energy through EDF power solutions UK and Ireland. We have more than 2GW of renewable generation in operation and over 10GW in construction, planning and development across a range of technologies including onshore and offshore wind, solar and battery storage.
We are one of the largest suppliers to British business and a leading supplier of innovative energy solutions that are helping businesses become more energy independent. In addition, the company’s energy services business, Dalkia, one of the UK and Ireland’s largest technical service providers.
About Fidra Energy
Fidra Energy is a European battery and energy storage system (BESS) platform owned by EIG. Headquartered in Edinburgh, UK, Fidra Energy’s strategy is to develop, build and operate large battery energy storage projects in the UK and major European markets. Find out more: https://fidraenergy.com/
About EIG
EIG is a leading institutional investor in the global energy and infrastructure sectors with $23.8 billion assets under management as of June 30, 2025. EIG specializes in private investments in energy and energy-related infrastructure on a global basis. During its 43-year history, EIG has committed over $51.3 billion to the energy sector through 420 projects or companies in 44 countries on six continents. EIG’s clients include many of the leading pension plans, insurance companies, endowments, foundations and sovereign wealth funds in the U.S., Asia and Europe. EIG is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with offices in Houston, London, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong and Seoul. For additional information, please visit EIG’s website at www.eigpartners.com.
Related articles
Beat the Cap: EDF cuts standing charges by £100
