Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has been appointed as principal contractor for earthworks and drainage on the UK's largest battery energy storage system (BESS) scheme at Thorpe Marsh in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The multi-million-pound development will be three times larger than any other BESS project currently in operation or under construction in the UK.

Project Scale and Capacity

The Thorpe Marsh site will be capable of exporting more than two million MWh annually, providing enough energy to supply around 785,000 homes each year. The project is being developed by Fidra Energy, which aims to have the site operational by the middle of 2027. The development represents one of the leading BESS projects in the whole of Europe.

Construction Specifications and Workforce

Jones Bros will deliver more than 500,000 m³ of cut and fill earthworks as part of their contract. These earthworks require specialist engineering techniques and stringent testing as the project is developed utilizing existing pulverized fly ash. The company will also complete close to 4 km of deep surface water drainage work. The project will employ a team of up to 60 people, including apprentices and trainees.

Senior contract manager Dafydd Elis confirmed that the skilled team is mobilized on site and the company has secured new plant equipment to help deliver the activity to their usual high standard by the end of 2025.

Financing and Strategic Importance

Thorpe Marsh received approval after Fidra Energy secured new equity investment from EIG and the National Wealth Fund. The same investors will also help finance another BESS project at West Burton, Nottinghamshire. Together, both sites will provide up to 11 percent of the additional storage capacity needed under the government's Clean Power 2030 mission. Chris Elder, Fidra Energy's chief executive officer, described Thorpe Marsh as “one of the most exciting infrastructure projects in the world and a landmark transaction in the energy sector.”

He noted that the investment by EIG and the National Wealth Fund demonstrates confidence in Fidra's team and project supporters.

Government Response and Energy Transition Goals

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves highlighted the investment as an example of how the government is using all available tools to grow the economy and increase household incomes. She referenced the UK's achievement of being the fastest-growing nation in the G7 for the first half of the year. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband expressed enthusiasm about the National Wealth Fund's role in transforming a former coal site into a cutting-edge battery hub.

He emphasized that the facility will power thousands of British homes and businesses with clean energy from wind and solar sources. Miliband stated that every battery built enhances Britain's energy security, reduces exposure to fluctuations in fossil fuel prices, and advances progress toward clean power by 2030 as part of the government's Plan for Change.

Senior contract manager Dafydd Elis emphasized the vital role of battery storage in the UK's energy transition, noting its importance for providing stability when integrating renewables into the grid. He confirmed that Jones Bros is currently undertaking multiple BESS schemes and expressed anticipation for working on what will be the country's largest such project.

Company Background and Current Operations

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people. The company currently works on contracts across various sectors, including highways, flood and marine defense, waste management, and renewable energy projects throughout the UK. The company operates an award-winning apprenticeship scheme that has produced nearly 40 percent of its current workforce.

Many senior managers began their careers as apprentices or in trainee roles, and the company has recruited hundreds of apprentices over the years. This apprenticeship program demonstrates the company's commitment to developing talent from within the organization.

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