UK’s largest grid-connected battery plugs in at Drax substation

Comprised of Tesla Megapack 2XL lithium-ion batteries, the 100MW/200MWh installation is claimed to be the UK’s largest grid-connected battery. National Grid worked with contractor Omexom to upgrade the Drax 132kV substation in order to accommodate the new system. Works included extending the busbars, upgrading busbar protection and substation control systems, and installing an operational tripping scheme. The project is 100 per cent owned and operated by TagEnergy.

“For a while, Lakeside will be the largest transmission connected BESS project in the UK and it is an important project that truly moves the needle for the energy transition,” said Franck Woitiez, TagEnergy CEO. 

“We’re proud to have delivered the project efficiently, energised and connected onto National Grid’s transmission network without significant delays or operating issues. That is exactly what is needed to speed the transition.”

National Grid operates the adjacent Drax 400kV substation, which already hosts the connection for Drax power station. Formerly the UK’s biggest coal-burning plant, Drax now runs exclusively on biomass, a controversial fuel source claimed by environmental groups to be more damaging than burning fossil fuels. The 400kV substation will also connect the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) when it starts importing clean wind energy from Scotland in 2029.

“Our Drax substation originally connected a coal plant in the seventies and is now playing an important role in the energy transition – connecting not only the country’s biggest battery, but also its largest biomass power plant,” said Mark Brindley, portfolio director for northern regions at National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET). “As the transition progresses, connecting a diverse mix of renewable technologies will be crucial in supporting the UK’s bold net zero ambitions.

“Battery storage technologies play an essential part in delivering a net zero energy system in Britain, so connecting Lakeside BESS to our transmission network is a key moment in the pursuit of those clean energy targets.”