Varco Energy acquires Sambar Power battery storage project in Cornwall
Varco Energy (Varco), a pioneering UK-based battery storage asset owner and operator, has acquired the 47.5MW Sambar Power battery storage project at the Indian Queens substation in Cornwall from Carlton Power Ltd, an independent UK energy infrastructure development company.
The Sambar Power battery storage project is part of the national network of battery storage systems, strategically positioned near National Grid substations. Carlton Power secured Sambar’s planning consent in October 2022 and Varco will now begin work to develop the battery asset with the intention to bring the asset online by Q2 2025.
Once complete, the battery storage system at Sambar Power will play a crucial role in providing essential flexibility to future-proof the UK’s electricity system. It will contribute to delivering secure, affordable, and low-carbon power as we transition toward a sustainable energy future.
Varco, an Adaptogen Capital funded battery storage operating company, is on a mission to drive the energy transition to a net-zero future by building flexible storage assets. 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:
“As the UK moves forwards towards a net-zero power system, we are delighted to add this asset to our battery storage project portfolio. The UK needs to invest up to £11bn in storage assets by 2035 to deliver on its net zero ambitions and Varco Energy is at the forefront of this transition. We will now focus on the operational integration of the project into our broader portfolio, with a targeted energisation in Q2 2025.”
Keith Clarke, founder and Chief Executive of Carlton Power, said:
“We are very pleased to have concluded the sale of the Sambar Power project to Varco Energy. Battery energy storage schemes of this scale are essential to the security and resilience of the UK’s energy system and will support the energy transition and the further growth of renewable power generation.”
