EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A 107 MW portfolio of three operational standalone BESS assets in southeast England has been acquired by NextEnergy Capital’s NEUK I fund. The transaction increases the fund’s standalone battery storage capacity to 165 MW, with the acquired assets supported by long-term Capacity Market contracts and established routes to market.
Company: NextEnergy Capital
Fund: NextEnergy UK I (NEUK I)
Transaction: BESS portfolio acquisition
Acquired Capacity: 107 MW
Assets: Three operational standalone BESS projects
Maldon: 40 MW
Basildon: 28 MW
Loudwater: 39 MW
NextEnergy Capital (NEC), a London-based investment manager focused on solar and energy infrastructure, has announced that its NextEnergy UK I (NEUK I) fund has completed the acquisition of a 107 MW portfolio of operational standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) assets in the United Kingdom.
The acquired portfolio consists of three operational BESS facilities located across southeast England. These include the 40 MW Maldon facility, the 28 MW Basildon facility and the 39 MW Loudwater facility. According to NEC, the assets are situated close to major electricity demand centres and key grid infrastructure.
All three battery storage facilities are fully operational. They are supported by long-term Capacity Market contracts and have established routes to market through operational counterparties. The assets are expected to contribute to electricity system flexibility as renewable generation increases across the UK power system.
Following the transaction, NEUK I’s total standalone BESS capacity has increased to 165 MW. The acquisition also adds operational storage assets to the fund’s existing utility-scale solar and storage portfolio. NEC said the operational assets are immediately cash generative and are intended to diversify the fund’s revenue profile.
The transaction follows NEUK I’s final close at GBP 733 million (~ $993.66 million) in commitments. Since its launch, the fund has built and acquired a portfolio of more than approximately 1 GW of renewable energy infrastructure assets across the UK.
That battery storage will have a role in providing flexibility as additional renewable generation is integrated into the UK electricity system.Ross Grier, Chief Investment Officer at NextEnergy Capital
He also added that the acquisition represents an important milestone for NEUK I and complements the fund’s existing solar and storage investments. Michael Bonte-Friedheim, Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer of NextEnergy Capital, said the transaction reflects the fund’s strategy of building a portfolio of solar and BESS assets. As NEUK I’s assets move into full operation, the fund will remain focused on long-term investor value while supporting the UK energy system.