Artist's impression of Teesside GigaPark, battery storage project on Sembcorp Utilities’ Wilton International site.
Valued at £1 billion, Teesside GigaPark is one of the UK’s highest-capacity and longest-duration energy storage projects, uniquely combining utility-scale grid storage with port electrification infrastructure. The facility is designed to power industries and ports, enable marine electrification, create 200 construction jobs, provide long-term skilled employment, and contribute £2 million annually to the local community.
Initially, the fully privately financed project will operate at a four-hour storage capacity (4GWh), with plans to expand to eight hours (8GWh). NatPower has secured a 1GW connection agreement with the National Energy System Operator for a 400kV connection to National Grid’s substation. The facility, set to connect to the grid by 2028, is designed to support shore power for ships (cold ironing) and recharge electric propulsion systems for future vessels.
Stefano D.M. Sommadossi, CEO of NatPower UK and NatPower Marine, stated: “Teesside, our most advanced GigaPark, located at Wilton International, will be the blueprint for how we combine high-capacity renewable energy storage with the electrification of ports and industry. Within five years, we can transform one of the UK’s most important industrial hubs into a net-zero economic powerhouse and then replicate this model in ports across the globe.”
Mike Patrick, CEO of Sembcorp Energy UK, said: “We are pleased to support NatPower to bring one of the UK’s most advanced battery energy storage projects to Wilton International. With its robust grid infrastructure, Wilton International offers the ideal platform for scaling long-duration battery storage and supporting maritime electrification. This project further strengthens Wilton International’s role as a strategic site for low-carbon innovation, driving the UK’s journey towards a net-zero future.”
The Teesside GigaPark underscores NatPower’s commitment to advancing renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, positioning Wilton International as a hub for low-carbon innovation and supporting the UK’s transition to a net-zero economy.
