Matrix Renewables has signed a long-term battery optimisation agreement with EDF for a 500MW/1GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) currently under construction in Eccles, Scotland.
This collaboration aims to enhance the UK electricity system by ensuring critical flexibility and supporting grid operations.
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Once completed in summer 2027, the battery storage project will capture surplus renewable energy and release it during periods of peak demand, helping to integrate more renewables into the national grid.
The project marks Matrix Renewables’ inaugural standalone battery storage development in the UK and is set to be one of the largest in the British electricity system.
Under the agreement, EDF will provide route-to-market services and manage the battery’s performance across the UK power markets once operational.
EDF commercial director of business and wholesale services Stuart Fenner said: “Delivering EDF’s mission to build an Electric Britain depends on flexible assets that can respond instantly to the needs of the system.
“This project will provide exactly that capability. Using our Powershift platform, we will optimise the battery in real time to support grid stability, manage peak demand and help integrate more low-carbon generation.”
Located between key transmission routes linking Scotland and England, the Eccles facility will play a crucial role in bolstering grid resilience and facilitating efficient electricity distribution.
This initiative aligns with Matrix Renewables’ broader goals to widen its battery storage portfolio and support the UK’s transition to a cleaner power system, contributing to the Clean Power 2035 goals and Net Zero 2050 target.
The Eccles project has met all planning requirements and received full approval, enabling construction to proceed as scheduled.
Furthermore, Matrix Renewables is actively expanding its battery storage and generation initiatives in the UK, with plans to develop over 3GW of capacity nationwide in the coming years.
Matrix Renewables chief commercial officer Chris Matthews said: “We are proud to be delivering one of the UK’s largest battery storage projects and to partner with EDF for its commercial optimisation.
“Battery storage will play a critical role in enabling the continued growth of renewable energy while strengthening the resilience and flexibility of the electricity system.”
In December 2025, Matrix Renewables signed a comprehensive engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract with Tesla to build, design and commission a standalone BESS located in Eccles.
