Key Points
- Elements Green, a UK-based renewable energy developer, has completed the acquisition of the Bolney Green Energy Hub, a 148.8 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) project located near Wineham in West Sussex, England.
- The project features a 4-hour duration and received planning approval from Mid-Sussex District Council in September 2024, with full operations scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2027 (4Q27).
- The acquisition was executed through a share purchase agreement (SPA) with Envirotech Energy Solutions Ltd, granting Elements Green full ownership of the development.
- Rasmus Friis, CEO of Elements Green, stated: “We are thrilled to bring the Bolney Green Energy Hub into the Elements Green portfolio. This 4-hour duration project is exactly the type of high-integrity infrastructure needed to support a flexible and reliable renewable energy future. With the SPA now signed, our team is focused on delivering this 148.8 MW asset as part of our wider 13 000 MW global pipeline.”
- A spokesperson from Envirotech Energy Solutions Ltd commented: “The board and shareholders of Envirotech Energy Solutions Ltd, are pleased to have concluded this transaction with Elements Green. Following a protracted and diligent planning process, and various uncertainties around renewable energy in 2025, to be able to conclude arrangements in advance of NESO mod offers, demonstrates the confidence Elements Green has in the sector and in the quality and strategic value of our Bolney Green Energy Hub project, and as a UK based leading renewable energy developer, based and operating in the UK, Elements Green were always our preferred partner for this project.”
- Elements Green received legal advice from Bird & Bird and technical due diligence from Everoze.
- Envirotech Energy Solutions Ltd was advised by Fladgate on legal matters and Savills Earth Capital.
- This deal expands Elements Green’s UK portfolio following the recent financial close of the 360 MW Staythorpe BESS scheme in Nottinghamshire.
- The Bolney project joins Elements Green’s broader development pipeline exceeding 13 GW (13,000 MW) of utility-scale solar PV and BESS across the UK, EU, Australia, and US.
- The acquisition underscores growing investment in BESS to support the UK’s net zero ambitions and grid stability amid increasing renewable energy integration.
Elements Green secures major BESS asset in West Sussex amid UK energy transition push
London-based renewable energy developer Elements Green has finalised a pivotal acquisition, taking full control of the 148.8 MW / 592.8 MWh Bolney Green Energy Hub battery energy storage system (BESS) project in West Sussex, England. As reported across multiple outlets including Energy Global and The Energyst, the deal with Envirotech Energy Solutions Ltd via a share purchase agreement (SPA) marks a significant bolstering of the firm’s UK storage capabilities. This move comes at a critical juncture for the UK’s energy sector, where battery storage is essential for balancing intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar to meet net zero targets by 2050.
The project, situated near Wineham, boasts a robust 4-hour discharge duration, positioning it as high-integrity infrastructure for grid flexibility. Planning consent was granted by Mid-Sussex District Council in September 2024 after a protracted process, with construction set to advance towards operational status in the fourth quarter of 2027. By acquiring the asset outright, Elements Green aims to deploy its global expertise in development, construction, and operations to maximise its contribution to the national grid.
Rasmus Friis, CEO of Elements Green, expressed enthusiasm for the addition, highlighting its strategic fit. As quoted in Energy Global by their correspondent, Friis said: “We are thrilled to bring the Bolney Green Energy Hub into the Elements Green portfolio. This 4-hour duration project is exactly the type of high-integrity infrastructure needed to support a flexible and reliable renewable energy future. With the SPA now signed, our team is focused on delivering this 148.8 MW asset as part of our wider 13 000 MW global pipeline.” This statement was echoed in coverage by Solar Power Portal, reinforcing the project’s alignment with broader energy transition goals.
From the seller’s perspective, a spokesperson for Envirotech Energy Solutions Ltd provided insight into the transaction’s context. As detailed in The Energyst, the spokesperson noted: “The board and shareholders of Envirotech Energy Solutions Ltd, are pleased to have concluded this transaction with Elements Green. Following a protracted and diligent planning process, and various uncertainties around renewable energy in 2025, to be able to conclude arrangements in advance of NESO mod offers, demonstrates the confidence Elements Green has in the sector and in the quality and strategic value of our Bolney Green Energy Hub project, and as a UK based leading renewable energy developer, based and operating in the UK, Elements Green were always our preferred partner for this project.” This partnership underscores mutual recognition of the asset’s value amid market volatilities.
What is the Bolney Green Energy Hub?
The Bolney Green Energy Hub represents a cornerstone in the UK’s burgeoning BESS landscape, with a capacity of 148.8 MW and 4-hour storage equivalent to approximately 595 MWh. Located strategically near Wineham in West Sussex, the site benefits from proximity to grid infrastructure, enabling efficient energy dispatch. Approval from Mid-Sussex District Council in September 2024 followed rigorous environmental and community consultations, navigating challenges typical of large-scale renewable projects.
Once operational in 4Q27, the hub will store excess renewable generation during peak production and release it during high demand, stabilising frequencies and reducing reliance on fossil fuel peakers. Coverage in Energy Global emphasises its role in delivering “maximum benefit to the UK’s national grid.” The Energyst similarly positions it as a “high-capacity” asset poised to enhance system reliability.
Who advised on the acquisition deal?
Transaction advisors played crucial roles in ensuring a smooth handover. Elements Green was supported by Bird & Bird for legal counsel and Everoze for technical due diligence, as reported consistently across Energy Global and The Energyst. These firms provided expertise in navigating complex regulatory and engineering aspects of BESS developments.
Envirotech Energy Solutions Ltd, meanwhile, engaged Fladgate for legal advice and Savills Earth Capital for additional support. This bipartisan advisory structure facilitated due diligence amid the “various uncertainties around renewable energy in 2025,” according to the seller’s spokesperson. No further details on advisory fees or specifics were disclosed in the reports.
How does this fit into Elements Green’s portfolio?
This acquisition catapults Elements Green’s UK footprint, integrating Bolney into a portfolio that recently achieved financial close on the 360 MW Staythorpe BESS in Nottinghamshire. As noted in List.Solar, Staythorpe—backed by a £140 million facility from Goldman Sachs Alternatives—will power up to 95,000 homes daily upon its mid-2027 commissioning. James Gates, CIO of Elements Green, described that milestone as “a significant step forward for Elements Green and for battery storage in the UK,” per a LinkedIn post covered in industry news.
The firm’s global pipeline now surpasses 13 GW, spanning utility-scale solar PV and BESS in the UK, EU, Australia, and US. Earlier deals, such as a £71.5 million substation contract with Mitie for Staythorpe (reported by Mitie), highlight Elements Green’s execution prowess. Solar Power Portal frames Bolney as joining “a development portfolio of more than 13GW,” amplifying the company’s IPP ambitions.
What challenges did the project face?
The Bolney project endured a “protracted and diligent planning process,” as articulated by Envirotech’s spokesperson in Energy Global. Uncertainties in the renewable sector during 2025, including policy shifts and grid connection delays, tested developer resolve. Securing approval ahead of NESO (National Energy System Operator) modification offers was a key achievement, signalling market confidence.
Broader context from ESS-News on Elements Green’s projects notes the UK’s push for storage to meet 2050 carbon elimination targets, with BESS recognised for backing renewables. Despite headwinds, the SPA signing demonstrates resilience.
Why is BESS critical for the UK’s energy future?
Battery energy storage systems like Bolney are pivotal for the UK’s transition, addressing intermittency in wind and solar. Staythorpe’s 15-year Capacity Market contract and EDF floor agreement exemplify revenue stability, as per Goldman Sachs’ Christian Schaefer: “We are excited to partner with Elements Green and contribute to the realisation of this strategic project with a bespoke project finance unitranche solution.”
Elements Green’s progression of over 12 GW pipeline, as stated by company representatives in ESS-News, aligns with government ambitions. Industry observers in Solar Power Portal link such assets to net zero progress, with SSE’s parallel 100MW Derrymeen BESS underscoring sector momentum.