Battery energy storage systems (BESS)
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are a critical component of the UK's transition to a secure, flexible and Net Zero-aligned energy system. Our specialist lawyers advise developers, investors, lenders and asset owners on all aspects of battery storage projects, from development and financing through to construction, operation and optimisation.
BESS is a critical enabler of GB’s transition to a secure, flexible and Net Zero–aligned electricity system. As renewable energy generation continues to accelerate, battery storage plays a critical role in integrating intermittent renewables such as wind and solar, maintaining system stability and providing flexibility to enable the electricity system operator to balance supply and demand across the grid.
To manage the intermittency of solar, wind and other renewable energy generation, significant investment is needed to develop, finance and operate grid–scale, co-located and on-site battery projects, together with the commercial arrangements that underpin revenue certainty and long–term value.
Our BESS capabilities
Our team has a first-class record of advising on BESS assets in GB, including some of the first projects to come to market in 2015. Having been involved in the GB BESS market from the very beginning, we are true experts in BESS with the experience to advise across the entire lifecycle of projects. We combine deep expertise in power, grid, flexibility, construction and routes-to-market, with extensive experience acting for developers, borrowers, lenders and investors in the UK energy sector.
Our BESS experience spans standalone and co–located BESS projects, portfolio–level rollouts and refinancings, as well as secondary market acquisitions of both ready-to-build and operational assets. We can advise on both development-phase risk, and revenue-driven value optimisation in the operational phase.
What our BESS team can advise on
We advise on:
Early–stage structuring, site ownership and planning, development and funding, including lender and investor requirements for bankable storage projects
Project and portfolio finance, investment, acquisitions and disposals, including senior mezzanine and syndicated debt structures
Grid connections, optimisation and route to market options (including tolling), and revenue stack arrangements, including trading, flexibility and ancillary services frameworks
Construction, commissioning and operational matters, working closely with technical, commercial and financing advisers
Refinancing and restructuring facilities to support portfolio growth and asset optimisation
Regulatory, licensing and planning advice, ensuring BESS projects are bankable and compliant throughout their lifecycle
Testimonials
"Excellent combination of technical expertise, commercial acumen, and interpersonal skills."
The Legal 500, 2026
"A practical rather than theoretical approach which is practiced by all team members with consistent and visible leadership from partners and senio...
The Legal 500, 2026
"They have vast practical experience in all energy areas, especially regarding up-to-date developments in battery storage and optimisation, electri...
Chambers & Partners, 2026
"The projects, energy and natural resources team at Freeths show great market acumen."
The Legal 500, 2025
"Great knowledge and practical approach to matters."
The Legal 500, 2025
"Friendly and approachable with a personal touch."
The Legal 500, 2025
"The team is always available and delivers to deadline. Their attention to detail is exceptional."
The Legal 500, 2025
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