Battery trial to test faster grid connections for south Wales industry

A new programme will test whether batteries can help industrial customers in south Wales connect to the electricity network sooner. National Grid Electricity Distribution, Net Zero Industry Wales and Celtic Freeport announced the collaboration on 29 September.

Using the network already in place

The first project will examine whether batteries can balance electricity supply and demand, making room for more connections while longer-term infrastructure is developed. The programme follows discussions with more than 30 industrial organisations, which identified over 25 possible approaches to earlier connections and more flexible use of the network.

A test, not a guaranteed connection

The partners describe the programme as lasting several years. Their announcement does not specify a battery site, capacity, budget or date when a customer will receive an earlier connection. For businesses waiting for power, the important outcome will be whether the trials release usable capacity and bring connection dates forward. Those benefits remain aims rather than delivered results.