140 MWh battery storage project strengthens the Larks Green cluster and supports the UK’s Clean Power 2030 ambitions.
Enso Energy is pleased to announce that Lower Larks, a 140 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) being developed in partnership with Cero Generation, has reached Financial Close and secured a long-term optimisation agreement with Danske Commodities. Located within the wider Larks Green energy cluster at Iron Acton, South Gloucestershire, Lower Larks represents the latest stage in the evolution of one of the UK’s leading co-located renewable energy developments.
The project will provide enough storage capacity to meet the equivalent daily electricity consumption of approximately 15,000 UK households and is expected to become operational in Q2 2027. The project demonstrates how battery storage can be integrated alongside existing renewable generation assets to maximise the value of grid infrastructure, improve system flexibility and support the UK’s transition to a low-carbon energy system. As part of the project financing arrangements, Danske Commodities has been selected to optimise the battery under a seven-year tolling agreement, providing market access and revenue optimisation services throughout the term. Enso Energy has led the final phase of development for the project over the past 12 months, working closely with Cero Generation, National Grid, NESO and local landowners to coordinate the complex grid and delivery arrangements required to bring the project to Financial Close.
Bill Rees, Managing Director of Enso Energy, said:
“Reaching Financial Close for Lower Larks is another important milestone for the Larks Green cluster and demonstrates how innovative development can unlock additional value from existing renewable energy assets and grid infrastructure. The project highlights the benefits of co-locating solar generation and battery storage, allowing more clean energy to be utilised while making the most efficient use of network capacity at the Iron Acton substation. Enso is proud to have led the project’s final development phase and worked alongside Cero Generation, National Grid, NESO and the landowners to bring the project forward. As the UK works towards its Clean Power 2030 ambitions, projects such as Lower Larks show how collaboration and smart development can help deliver the flexible, low-carbon electricity system the country needs.”
The Financial Close of Lower Larks further strengthens the Larks Green cluster’s position as a flagship example of how co-located renewable energy and storage projects can accelerate decarbonisation while improving the efficiency and resilience of the electricity network.