A Salford-based battery energy storage operator has won a significant infrastructure agreement with the National Grid, a move expected to accelerate the rollout of renewable energy projects across the South East over the next five years. This development marks an important step forward in the UK’s transition to cleaner, more resilient power systems.
The agreement, known as Grid Offer Notifications (GONs), will enable the company, Root-Power, to build and connect 13 battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities to the National Grid. These modern storage sites will support four planned projects in Corringham (Essex), Caterham (Surrey), Herne Bay (Kent) and Silchester (near Reading), collectively delivering 123 megawatts (MW) of capacity.
Battery storage plays a crucial role in helping the UK manage its shift to renewables. By storing excess power generated from wind and solar when output is high, batteries can release energy during peak demand. This reduces the risk of blackouts, smooths out price volatility and helps keep energy supplies reliable for homes and businesses.
According to Root-Power’s managing director, Neil Brooks, the grid agreements are a “game-changer” that unlock progress on projects that otherwise could not be built, regardless of planning permission. He emphasised that each new storage site will bring benefits to local economies and energy security, helping the region transition to a cleaner, more resilient system aligned with the government’s broader Clean Power 2030 reforms.
Root-Power has ambitious growth plans. The company aims to develop a portfolio of BESS facilities capable of supplying over 1.7 gigawatts (GW) of power by 2031, a substantial contribution to the UK’s low-carbon infrastructure. This capacity would not only support renewable generation but also help buffer the grid against supply fluctuations and rising demand.
Overall, this agreement is a strong positive signal for the South East’s clean energy future — unlocking investment, boosting energy reliability, and aligning with national goals to reduce carbon emissions and modernise the power network for decades to come.munities and the environment.
