Global energy storage owner-operator, BW ESS, has secured debt financing for its Hams Hall battery energy storage system (BESS) in the West Midlands, a project set to become Europe’s largest operational BESS site by megawatt-hour at commercial operations date (COD).
Under the agreement, international lenders OCBC, Rabobank, and Societe Generale will provide the debt facility in equal proportions. Rabobank will also act as Facility Agent. The transaction is expected to close at COD. It follows a highly competitive financing process that attracted significant interest from the global banking community, with more than 30 lenders engaged. This response reflects BW ESS’ proven development and operating track record, as well as the increasingly important role of battery storage in supporting the UK’s energy transition.
Located adjacent to National Grid’s Hams Hall substation in the West Midlands, the project will initially deliver 350 MW/1243 MWh of storage capacity. This will rise to 400 MW/1424 MWh following completion of the second phase. Once fully operational, Hams Hall will be capable of supporting the electricity needs of around 1.3 million homes for up to 3.5 hours, helping to integrate renewable energy, increase grid resilience, and strengthen the UK’s energy security. Long-term revenues for the first phase of Hams Hall BESS will be underpinned by a 10-year floor and optimisation agreement signed with EDF earlier in 2026.
Nick Stamp, CFO of BW ESS, commented: “Securing financing for Hams Hall is another major milestone for BW ESS and for the wider UK energy storage market. The exceptionally strong response from lenders demonstrates growing confidence in both the investment case for battery storage and BW ESS’ ability to develop and operate strategically important infrastructure assets. We are delighted to partner with OCBC, Rabobank, and Societe Generale on this landmark project. Hams Hall will provide critical infrastructure for balancing the UK’s increasingly renewable-powered electricity system, while enhancing energy security and reliability for consumers.”
Elaine Lam, Head of Global Corporate Banking, OCBC, added: “We are delighted to support BW ESS in the successful financing of the Hams Hall BESS facility, a landmark project that will become the largest BESS project by megawatt-hour in Europe at completion. The project will strengthen the resilience and flexibility of the UK power network and supports the energy transition, where battery storage infrastructure is essential to enable greater integration of renewable energy and maintaining grid stability. This transaction reinforces OCBC’s commitment to supporting UK energy and infrastructure investment under our £10 billion memorandum of understanding with the UK Government.”
Gijs Hofman, Executive Director, Rabobank, noted: “Rabobank is delighted to support BW ESS in financing the Hams Hall project as lender, facility agent and hedge provider. The transaction attracted strong lender interest, reflecting the project’s compelling combination of scale, strategic location, high-quality counterparties, and the proven track record of BW ESS as a leading battery storage developer and operator. We see battery storage as a fundamental building block of a flexible, reliable, and increasingly decarbonised power system. Projects such as Hams Hall help unlock greater penetration of renewable power while strengthening security of supply. We are pleased to partner with BW ESS, OCBC, and Societe Generale on this milestone financing.”
Nathalie Lemarcis, Managing Director, Societe Generale, concluded: “We are pleased to support BW ESS in this landmark financing for one of Europe’s largest battery energy storage projects. This transaction highlights the increasingly important role of battery storage in enabling the energy transition, strengthening grid resilience, and supporting energy security. It reflects our commitment to financing critical infrastructure and supporting the development of innovative energy solutions.”
The financing further strengthens BW ESS’ relationships with leading international lenders and supports the company’s continued growth across its global portfolio. Hams Hall is part of BW ESS’ 2.6 GWh Ardenham portfolio, which is co-owned with leading energy and decarbonisation investor, AIP Management.
In the UK, BW ESS currently operates the 331 MWh Bramley BESS in Hampshire, has 1243 MWh entering operation through Phase 1 of Hams Hall, 857 MWh under construction at Berkswell, and a broader development pipeline spanning multiple gigawatt hours across the country.
CMS acted as Legal Adviser to BW ESS, while WFW acted as Legal Adviser to the lenders. Everoze and Modo Energy acted as Technical Adviser and Market Adviser, respectively.
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