[Liverpool, April 2025] Ethical Power is pleased to announce the successful start of commercial operations at the Native River Battery Energy Storage Solution (BESS) site near Liverpool.
The 57MW/138MWh transmission-connected facility, owned and operated by Varco Energy, a pioneering UK-based battery storage asset owner and operator, is now fully operational.
Located just south of Liverpool, the Native River project plays a crucial role in supporting the National Grid, ensuring a stable and reliable supply of electricity to the region. The BESS is designed to provide grid-balancing services, including frequency regulation and reserve capacity, which are essential for maintaining grid stability in the face of increasing renewable energy integration.
The Native River project is one of the largest transmission-connected BESS installations in the UK and leverages cutting-edge lithium-ion battery technology. With a capacity of 57MW/138MWh, the system can deliver up to 57MW of power over a sustained period, helping to smooth out fluctuations in energy supply and demand.
Ethical Power was selected to provide the Balance of Plant (BoP) work and act as the independent connections provider (ICP). Works also included the electrical, mechanical, and civil infrastructure required to connect these assets to National Gridās Transmission network.
Varco, an Adaptogen Capital-funded BESS operating company, is on a mission to drive the energy transition to a net-zero future by building flexible energy storage.Ā By helping to integrate renewable energy generation and balance the grid, Varco makes sustainable energy accessible and affordable for all consumers.
James Mills, Director, Varco Energy said:
āThe commissioning of the Native River project is a key achievement in our commitment to advancing energy storage technology and has set a benchmark for our future portfolio projects. At Varco, we are committed to investing in assets that will accelerate renewable integration, sustain a resilient grid and drive consumer value in the UK. Thank you to everyone involved who helped deliver this project.ā
About Varco Energy
Varco Energy is based in the UK and backed by the Adaptogen Capital Battery Storage Fund. Varco is committed to driving the energy transition to a net-zero future by building flexible energy storage in the UK. Varco currently has 274MWhs of BESS projects under construction to keep moving the UK towards a renewable future.
For more information visit: https://www.varco.energy/
Ā
About Adaptogen Capital
Adaptogen Capital is a specialist battery storage investment firm backed by some of the earliest investors in the UK storage industry. We were founded to provide insightful expertise to our investors and help them navigate the energy transition as sustainably and profitably as possible. Capital comes from a broad range of family office and institutional investors, with significant investment from our founding directors.
For more information visit: https://www.adaptogencapital.com