As the global energy sector undergoes a rapid shift toward low-carbon technologies, battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming critical to integrating renewable energy into national grids. On July 29, 2025, HiTHIUM—a global leader in energy storage products and solutions—announced a strategic partnership with UK-based clean energy developer Elements Green to deliver one of the largest battery storage systems in the country: the 720MWh Staythorpe BESS project, slated for completion in 2027.
This collaboration not only highlights HiTHIUM’s global technological leadership but also represents a significant advancement in the UK’s journey toward a net-zero energy future. Once operational, the project will play a pivotal role in grid stabilization, emissions reduction, and large-scale renewable energy integration.
A Strategic Alliance for a Landmark 720MWh BESS Project
HiTHIUM will supply its advanced 5MWh BESS DC blocks for the Staythorpe project, delivering fully customized integration solutions designed for long lifespan, superior safety, and high operational efficiency. Powered by HiTHIUM’s proprietary 314Ah prismatic cells, the system is optimized for large-scale, cost-efficient deployments.
Located near the National Grid substation in Staythorpe, Newark, Nottinghamshire, the project will deliver 360MW of power and 720MWh of energy storage—enough to power a large city for several hours. The system is designed to support grid resilience during demand peaks and will enable more renewable energy to be stored and dispatched as needed.
“Our partnership with Elements Green underscores HiTHIUM’s dedication to innovation and sustainability,” said Mizhi Zhang, President of Global Business at HiTHIUM. “This large-scale deployment will support the UK’s clean energy ambitions and set a new global benchmark for renewable energy integration and grid reliability.”
Goldman Sachs Backs Project with £140 Million Debt Facility
In a major financing milestone, the Staythorpe BESS project has secured a £140 million (approximately $170 million USD) debt facility from Goldman Sachs Alternatives. The funding utilizes a bespoke unitranche project finance structure, combining aspects of debt and equity to provide flexible, efficient capital.
Christian Schaefer, Managing Director and Co-Head of Climate Credit at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, commented, “We are proud to support this strategic initiative with a tailored project finance solution. Staythorpe BESS is a critical component of the UK’s energy transition, and we look forward to supporting its long-term success.”
Leading Consortium: Elements Green, Mitie, and HiTHIUM
Elements Green is spearheading the project’s development and operations, leveraging its deep expertise in renewable and storage infrastructure. The construction is being carried out by Mitie Power & Grid, one of the UK’s leading energy service providers. G2 Energy, a Mitie subsidiary, is tasked with delivering the project’s 400kV grid connection infrastructure.
HiTHIUM, formerly known as Hichance Energy, provides the core battery storage units for the project, offering a combination of cutting-edge safety, long cycle life, and high energy efficiency. The system is engineered for a 40-year operational lifespan, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.
The Staythorpe BESS will benefit from robust contracted revenue through a 15-year Capacity Market agreement and a long-term floor contract with EDF, providing both financial security and grid reliability.
Localization Strategy and European Expansion
Since launching its European operations in 2023, HiTHIUM has prioritized localization by establishing UK-based project delivery teams, sales offices, engineering services, and after-sales support. This local presence ensures fast response times, tailored solutions, and end-to-end reliability for European partners.
HiTHIUM is now ranked among the top three global BESS suppliers by shipment volume (CNESA, 2024) and continues to expand across Europe with large-scale deployments. Its 5MWh containerized storage systems, designed with engineering excellence, have demonstrated outstanding reliability and return on investment (ROI) across various grid-scale applications.
The Strategic Role of BESS in the UK Energy Transition
As wind and solar power continue to grow, battery storage has emerged as essential infrastructure for a sustainable grid. BESS technology helps address the intermittency of renewables, enables peak shaving, frequency regulation, and provides critical backup during grid disturbances.
The UK government has placed battery storage at the heart of its net-zero strategy, aiming for a decarbonized power system by 2035 and full carbon neutrality by 2050. The Staythorpe project is set to become a cornerstone of this effort, enabling deeper penetration of renewables while ensuring stability and cost-efficiency.
Future Outlook: A New Milestone in Energy Infrastructure
James Gates, Chief Investment Officer at Elements Green, stated, “This financing and partnership represent a new chapter for battery storage in the UK. The backing of Goldman Sachs Alternatives and support from IDCM reflect strong confidence in our platform and ability to deliver impactful projects at scale.”
Construction is already underway, with full commissioning expected by mid-2027. With all partners bringing deep experience and cutting-edge technology, the Staythorpe project will help reshape the future of the UK’s energy landscape.
Conclusion:
The Staythorpe BESS project stands as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and financial ingenuity in the clean energy space. By uniting advanced battery technology, strategic financing, and strong local execution, HiTHIUM and its partners are laying the foundation for a more resilient, flexible, and sustainable power system. As global energy markets shift toward renewables, projects like this will define the infrastructure of the future—and the UK is at the forefront.
