EIG Launches Fidra Energy with 3.15 GW Pipeline of BESS Projects

The company is one of the largest battery energy storage developers in the UK and is well positioned to support the UK's energy transition

Washington, D.C. and Edinburgh, UK: EIG, a leading institutional investor in the global energy and infrastructure sectors, today announced the launch of Fidra Energy, a European battery and energy storage (BESS) platform headquartered in Edinburgh, UK. Fidra Energy is developing three of the largest battery energy storage sites in the UK, aiming to establish a 10GW platform across the UK and other European markets by 2030.

The largest project in Fidra's portfolio is Thorpe Marsh, a 1.45GW site in South Yorkshire, which will be the largest battery storage site in Europe and one of largest globally. Construction of the site, which is ten times larger than the UK's largest operational BESS project, is targeted to begin in 2025 and, upon completion, is expected to have enough capacity to power up to 800,000 homes during peak hours of electricity demand.

Fidra Energy's additional projects include Bicker Fen 1&2, a 1.2GW site in the East Midlands, and West Burton C, a 500MW site in Nottinghamshire. Together, these three projects are expected to generate enough electricity to meet over five percent of the UK's peak demand.

Chris Elder, Fidra Energy's Chief Executive Officer, said: "Battery storage is a proven, cost-effective and flexible technology that will be critical for Europe's energy transition. Our strategy is focused on delivering big batteries to major markets through the development of large transmission-connected projects that secure economies of scale. By leveraging our team's extensive experience in developing, building and operating large power projects, we are well positioned to capture this significant market opportunity."

Walid Mouawad, Managing Director & Global Co-Head of Energy Transition at EIG, said: "As renewable energy sources increase alongside rising electricity demand, we believe battery projects will be essential in supporting the deployment of intermittent renewable energy generation. We are excited to work with Chris and the team at Fidra Energy as they seek to advance Europe's energy transition."

About Fidra Energy

Fidra Energy is a European battery and energy storage (BESS) platform formed in September 2024, following the sale of the West Burton Energy operational business to TotalEnergies. Headquartered in Edinburgh with ~15 employees, Fidra Energy's strategy is to develop, build and operate large battery energy storage projects in the UK and major European markets.

About EIG

EIG is a leading institutional investor in the global energy and infrastructure sectors, with $24.9 billion under management as of June 30, 2024. EIG specializes in private investments in energy and energy-related infrastructure on a global basis. During its 42-year history, EIG has committed over $48.6 billion to the energy sector through 413 projects or companies in 42 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.

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