Foot Anstey advises Balanced Grid Works on sale of Silkstead battery storage project to Eelpower Energy

National law firm Foot Anstey has advised Balanced Grid Works on the sale of the 50MW/200MWh Silkstead battery energy storage system (BESS) near Winchester to UK grid-scale battery storage platform Eelpower Energy.

The Silkstead project, located south-east of the Winchester substation, is scheduled to begin construction in 2027, with commercial operations expected to start in 2028. The acquisition forms part of Eelpower Energy's plans to invest £500 million in battery energy storage systems across Great Britain and expand its growing storage portfolio.

Battery energy storage systems are playing an increasingly important role in supporting the transition to a more flexible, resilient and low-carbon electricity network. Once operational, the Silkstead project will contribute valuable storage capacity to the country's energy infrastructure, helping to balance supply and demand and support greater integration of renewable energy generation.

Foot Anstey provided legal advice to Balanced Grid Works throughout the transaction. Having originally help secure the site for them, the team advised on all legal aspects of the sale, helping to facilitate a successful outcome for the client and support the delivery of a strategically important asset.

The Foot Anstey team was led by Energy Real Estate Partner Kutahya Cherry, with support from Corporate Principal Director Kieran Van Bussel and Associates Jack Harvey and Colin Shear.

Kutahya Cherry, Partner at Foot Anstey, said 'We are seeing an uptick in battery storage developments come to market after a quieter period following the grid reform process. Transactions such as this demonstrate continued investor appetite for high-quality energy infrastructure projects, and we are delighted to have helped Balanced Grid Works achieve a successful outcome.'

Kevin Parr, Director of Balanced Grid Works said 'We have developed an excellent working relationship with the Foot Anstey team. This approach has enabled us to successfully complete a series of battery energy projects of which Silkstead is the fourth project sale. We look forward to working with Foot Anstey going forward on our current projects.'

To find out more about the support Foot Anstey provides to clients across the energy and infrastructure sector, please get in touch with a member of our Energy & Infrastructure team.