National Grid Energises New EV Battery Manufacturing Facility

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In a significant step towards a greener future, the National Grid has embarked on a groundbreaking engineering project designed to power the UK’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility, located in Somerset. This multi-million-pound initiative is not just an infrastructural upgrade; it represents a pivotal moment in the nation’s transition to a sustainable energy landscape.

The ambitious project will support the establishment of a 40GWh battery factory at the expansive 620-acre Gravity Smart Campus near Bridgwater. As a monumental stride in the UK’s green technology sector, this facility is anticipated to generate approximately 4,000 highly skilled jobs, fostering economic growth and innovation in the region.

The battery production plant, operated by Tata Group’s global battery division, Agratas, is slated for completion in 2026. Once operational, it aims to supply nearly half of the batteries required by the UK automotive industry by the early 2030s, thereby playing a crucial role in the country’s electrification strategy.

At the heart of this electric endeavour is a comprehensive new electricity infrastructure project aimed at providing the necessary power to the multi-billion-pound facility. National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) is spearheading the construction of two interim 33kV connections that will serve the Agratas site until the completion of a high-voltage 400kV substation, which is being developed by National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET).

Currently, work is progressing on the first NGED connection, which involves establishing a new bulk supply point at Dunwear. This connection will feature two 132/33kV transformers and circuit breaker bays located near an existing grid supply point, ensuring a seamless integration into the wider electricity network.

The grid transformers will facilitate the creation of a new 33kV switchboard, from which the Gravity connection and other customers will receive their power supply. A second connection will entail the installation of five miles of cables running from the Bridgwater bulk supply point substation to an Independent Connection Provider switchroom at Gravity. Remarkably, this work will utilise a route that NGED had previously laid out, anticipating the site’s future power needs.

As preparations for the Agratas Somerset facility continue, significant milestones are being reached. All piling operations have been successfully completed, with over 16,800 piles installed, laying a robust foundation for the future. Essential infrastructure has also been established, including a dedicated construction access road and fully functional site cabins. Groundwork and pile cap activities are progressing steadily, signalling continued advancement across the site.

The Agratas battery factory is part of a broader trend in which National Grid is enhancing its transmission and distribution networks. Recent transmission projects include the UK’s largest transmission-connected battery installation at Drax in Yorkshire, a project that contributes to the addition of 3GW of generation and several hundred megawatts of demand capacity within the past year.

Last year, on the distribution network, National Grid reported a staggering 42% increase in demand connection requests and a 28% rise in generation connection requests compared to the previous year. Notably, the past two years have seen an unprecedented doubling of electric vehicle (EV) connections, surpassing all previous years combined.

The integration of new demand sources, such as battery manufacturing facilities, is expected to drive an overall increase in Britain’s annual electricity demand from industry by around 30% between now and 2035. This trajectory underlines the urgent need for robust energy infrastructure to meet future demands sustainably and efficiently.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks commented on the project, stating: “This is a major milestone in a journey to bring 4,000 highly skilled clean energy jobs to Bridgwater, as a former munitions works transforms into a leading electric vehicle battery factory. In Somerset, and across the country, the clean energy transition is revitalising our industrial heartlands and bringing opportunity, growth, and jobs to our communities.”

Shanks further emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering a clean energy future: “Our Clean Power Action Plan outlines how we will usher in a new era of clean electricity, with the most ambitious reforms to the country’s energy system in a generation. This includes reorganising the grid connection queue to free up capacity and accelerate connections for vital projects like this.”

Cordi O’Hara, President of NGED, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of the Agratas battery factory: “The Agratas battery factory at Gravity is set to bring thousands of skilled jobs and provide a boost to the regional economy, as well as pushing forward the electrification of transport across the country. This is a clear example of networks acting as a catalyst for growth and shows the benefits that upgraded networks can bring. We are committed to investing significantly in our network so it can deliver energy where it is needed for customers.”

In response to Agratas’s request for connection to the UK high-voltage transmission network, NGET has commenced plans for a new 400kV transmission substation at Woolavington. The planning process is still in its early stages, and NGET has pledged to engage closely with local residents and stakeholders as the work progresses throughout 2025.

John Twomey, Director of Customer Connections at NGET, expressed optimism about the project’s potential: “Connections like this are a great example of our role in unlocking economic growth and transport decarbonisation for the UK, as well as bringing jobs to this region. I’m delighted to see National Grid’s connection project kick off with these distribution network upgrades. Our new transmission substation is now at an early planning stage, and we look forward to sharing more with the community as it develops further.”

Jefferson Weber, Head of UK Construction for Agratas, underscored the importance of this electrical connection: “The electrical connection being developed by National Grid is a critical infrastructure project that will supply the essential power needed to operate our new facility. This connection is fundamental to ensuring the reliable energy supply required to support what will be the UK’s largest battery manufacturing facility. National Grid’s expertise in delivering this key project is vital to the success of our site and will help us achieve our ambitious goals.”

As we move forward, the establishment of the Agratas battery factory at Gravity Smart Campus represents a beacon of hope for the UK’s green energy ambitions. It stands at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and economic growth, showcasing how strategic infrastructure investments can catalyse significant advancements in clean technology. The collaborative efforts of key stakeholders, including National Grid, government officials, and local communities, will be instrumental in transforming this vision into a tangible reality.

Stay tuned for more updates as the project progresses and continues to reshape the energy landscape in the UK. Together, we are stepping boldly into a future powered by clean energy, creating jobs, fostering economic opportunities, and achieving the ambitious net zero targets vital for our planet’s health.