Zenobe has successfully energized a 200MW battery energy storage system (BESS) at Blackhillock, Scotland, marking a significant milestone in the UK's transition to renewable energy. Supplied by Wartsila, the 400MWh system is among the largest grid batteries in operation in Europe.
The Blackhillock BESS is the first project completed under the Network Options Assessment (NOA) Stability Pathfinder programme, an initiative led by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) in Scotland aimed at enhancing the long-term stability of the electricity system. The storage system is designed to assist grid operators with balancing supply and demand, maintaining power stability, and addressing grid constraints.
James Basden, Founder and Director of Zenobe, commented, “Our batteries at Blackhillock are the first to use advanced power electronics to enable a much higher uptake of renewable power on the grid. This dramatically reduces costs to consumers and increases reliability. Zenobē is the first to deliver this capability at scale and we are helping the UK to become more competitive through increasing the availability of clean, affordable power.”
The Blackhillock BESS will provide essential stability services to NESO, including short-circuit level and true synthetic inertia, both of which are critical for maintaining grid efficiency as the UK moves towards phasing out fossil fuel power plants. According to Zenobe, the system is expected to save consumers over £170 million over the next 15 years.
The site is strategically located to integrate wind power from three major offshore wind farms in the North Sea, further enhancing its role in reducing grid congestion. Additionally, Zenobe is working on a second project under the Stability Pathfinder programme: Kilmarnock South, a 300MW/600MWh storage system, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
