National Grid has officially begun a multi-million pound electrical engineering project that will help bring power to the UK’s biggest EV battery production facility.
The new factory, which is expected to open in 2026, is currently under construction at the Gravity Smart Campus in Bridgwater, Somerset. It’s being constructed by Agratas, a global battery manufacturer and subsidiary of Tata Group, which is best known for the Jaguar Land Rover brand in the UK.
At full capacity, the new facility will have a total capacity of 40 GWh, and will supply half of the batteries needed by Britain’s automotive industry by the early 2030s. It’s also expected to create 4,000 skilled green tech jobs.
Plans for the factory’s grid connection
The facility will need a reliable power connection to the grid, however, which is where this project from National Grid Electricity Distribution comes in. The multi-million pound project will ensure that the factory receives a connection to a new high-voltage transmission substation in Woolavington.
Until that high-voltage 400 kV substation is completed, the site will be powered by two interim 33 kV connections installed by National Grid Electricity Distribution. Work is already in progress for the first connection, which involves a new bulk supply point at Dunwear, close to an existing grid supply point. From there, newly installed transformers and switchgear will supply Agratas’ facilities, as well as other customers. The company is also laying five miles of cables from its Bridgwater bulk supply point to an Independent Connection Provider switch room at Gravity, using a cable route put in place several years ago.
Cordi O’Hara, President of National Grid Electricity Transmission, commented, “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.”
National Grid Electricity Transmission says that it will work closely with local residents and stakeholders throughout 2025 as it develops the new 400 kV substation at Woolavington.
John Twomey, Director of Customer Connections at National Grid Electricity Transmission, noted, “Connections like this are a great example of our role 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.”
Agratas has made considerable headway at the factory site, with more than 16,800 piles installed and essential infrastructure such as site cabins and a dedicated construction road fully operational.
Jefferson Weber, Head of UK Construction for Agratas, concluded, “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.”