The UK is taking a leap forward in the clean energy revolution with the construction of its largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facility in Somerset. To meet the power demands of this groundbreaking project, National Grid has embarked on a multi-million-pound engineering venture that will secure the energy supply needed for this transformational initiative.
Located at the 620-acre Gravity Smart Campus near Bridgwater, the new 40GWh battery factory, operated by Agratas—Tata Group’s global battery business will be a major player in the UK’s green tech industry. With an expected launch in 2026, this facility aims to supply nearly 50% of the batteries required by the UK’s automotive sector by the early 2030s, driving the country’s transition to electric vehicles.
This project will generate 4,000 highly skilled jobs, reinforcing the UK’s position as a leader in sustainable energy and industrial innovation.
The Critical Role of National Grid
Powering a facility of this size requires cutting-edge electricity infrastructure. National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) and National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) are in charge of the development of essential power connections to ensure uninterrupted energy supply.
Key infrastructure developments include:
- Two interim 33kV connections to provide immediate power to the Agratas factory.
- A new 400kV substation at Woolavington to support long-term operations and future expansion.
- A bulk supply point at Dunwear with two 132/33kV transformers, ensuring seamless energy distribution.
- Five miles of new cabling from Bridgwater’s bulk supply point to the Gravity site, using its existing infrastructure for efficiency.
Driving Growth and Sustainability
Energy Minister Michael Shanks hailed the initiative as a landmark achievement:
“This is a major milestone in bringing 4,000 highly skilled clean energy jobs to Bridgwater. Our Clean Power Action Plan is accelerating grid connections for crucial projects like this, fuelling growth and innovation across the UK.”
The demand for clean energy solutions is rising exponentially. Grid connections for battery storage, renewable energy projects, and electric vehicle infrastructure have surged, highlighting the need for proactive grid expansion. National Grid’s ongoing investments in transmission and distribution networks are crucial for maintaining the UK’s energy resilience.
Infrastructure Progress and Future Plans
The Agratas Somerset facility is rapidly taking shape, with key construction milestones already achieved:
- Completion of 16,800 piling operations
- Development of dedicated construction access roads
- Operational site cabins and progressing groundwork
Jefferson Weber, Head of UK Construction at Agratas, emphasised the importance of National Grid’s contribution:
“The electrical connection is critical for our factory’s success. National Grid’s expertise ensures a reliable power supply, enabling us to achieve our ambitious manufacturing goals.”
Custom Labels: Supporting the Green Revolution
Just two miles from this massive industrial project, Custom Labels UK is playing its part in supporting the automotive and manufacturing sectors. With a strong track record in high-quality labelling solutions, Custom Labels has been supplying Jaguar Land Rover with heavy-duty asset tags for production facilities in the UK and Slovakia for the past five years.
These specialised UltraTuff tags feature:
- Full-colour logos with precise colour matching
- Durable scratch-proof laminate and strong adhesive
- QR codes for efficient tracking and scanning
- Chemical and abrasion resistance, perfect for manufacturing environments
As the UK’s electric vehicle industry grows, Custom Labels is ready to provide innovative labelling solutions that support efficient production and asset management.
UK’s Energy Landscape
National Grid’s commitment extends beyond this project. Recent high-impact grid connections include:
- The UK’s largest transmission-connected battery at Drax, Yorkshire
- A 3GW increase in generation capacity and hundreds of megawatts of additional demand capacity
- A 42% rise in demand connection requests and a doubling of EV connections over two years
A Greener Future Awaits
With industrial electricity demand expected to surge by 30% by 2035, the UK’s transition to clean energy depends on infrastructure investments like this. National Grid’s engineering expertise is paving the way for a sustainable future, ensuring that Britain remains at the forefront of green technology and innovation.
As the Agratas EV battery factory nears completion, it stands as a testiment to the UK’s commitment to renewable energy, job creation, and a cleaner, electrified future.
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