Gridserve plugs in 7.2 MW battery boost for Gatwick Electric Forecourt

Gridserve has energised a pair of 3.6 MW battery energy storage systems at its London Gatwick Electric Forecourt, giving the 30‑bay charging hub enough stored electricity to run at full capacity for three hours and easing pressure on the local grid.

Installed in partnership with UK Power Networks, the SYL‑branded batteries will discharge during peak periods, smoothing demand, cutting carbon and opening new revenue streams by providing flexibility services to the wider distribution network.

Opened on Gatwick’s South Terminal last year, the Electric Forecourt caters for airport passengers, staff, taxi fleets and the surrounding community. The rooftop now hosts 114 solar panels (33.3 kW) that top up the site’s ancillary loads, while the new BESS ensures high‑speed chargers stay online even when grid demand is at its highest.

UK Power Networks’ engineers designed and delivered a bespoke 33 kV connection, voltage‑management scheme and auxiliary transformers to bring the batteries on stream.

“Through a great collaboration with UK Power Networks, we are thrilled to connect our Battery Energy Storage System at London Gatwick Electric Forecourt,” said Raoul Tufnell, Development Director at Gridserve.

“The new batteries support not only on‑site demand from our chargers and building but also can provide grid services for the electricity network. This is the fourth Electric Forecourt within UK Power Networks' geography and a fantastic statement for how GRIDSERVE, working closely with UK Power Networks, is contributing to a greener future for the UK.”

Tosin Abimbola, Major Connections Project Manager at UK Power Networks, added, “We were delighted to energise the battery storage system at London Gatwick Electric Forecourt to support EV charging alongside one of the UK’s busiest airports.

“We strive to make it easy to connect low carbon technologies to our networks and are proud to continue collaborating with Gridserve on the UK’s journey to net zero.”