Real Assets, Real Leaders

Thorpe Marsh - a new template for UK BESS projects: Chris Elder, CEO Fidra Energy

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In this episode of Real Assets, Real Leaders, we’re joined by Chris Elder, CEO of Fidra Energy, to explore how Thorpe Marsh , the UKs largest battery storage project is setting a new benchmark for clean power infrastructure.

Fresh from financial close on one of the largest battery storage projects, Chris shares the story behind Fidra’s bold vision, the conviction it took to scale up, and the leadership lessons learned along the way.

He talks us through:

  • From coal to clean power – How a former coal station in South Yorkshire is being transformed into a 1.4GW, 3GWh battery that can power 800,000 homes.
  • Raising record-breaking capital – Lessons from securing £750m in financing, navigating offtake contracts, and proving bankability at scale.
  • Building at unprecedented scale – Managing partners, supply chains, and a thousand-container construction challenge to deliver by 2027.
  • Leadership & culture – Chris’s journey from lawyer to energy CEO, and why courage, conviction, and team culture are the cornerstones of Phaedra’s growth.

    • This conversation dives deep into the realities of developing gigawatt-scale storage: from structuring finance and choosing the right partners, to shaping a company culture fit for rapid scale. Whether you’re in infrastructure, finance, or renewables, Chris’s candid reflections offer a playbook for turning bold vision into bankable projects.

    🔗 Connect with Chris Elder & Fidra Energy → https://fidraenergy.com/

    🌍 Our Links → sonderandmetric.com

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    Real Assets, Real LeadersBy Joshua Foulkes