Wärtsilä delivers first-of-its-kind energy storage system for Zenobē in Scotland

Wärtsilä has successfully delivered a 200-megawatt (MW) / 400-megawatt hour (MWh) energy storage system to Zenobē, marking the launch of the largest battery energy storage site currently in operation in Europe. Located in Blackhillock, Scotland, the project is the first to be completed under the Network Options Assessment (NOA) Stability Pathfinder programme, an initiative led by the National Grid Electricity System Operator (NESO) to enhance the long-term stability of the UK’s electricity grid.

The Blackhillock facility will help grid operators tackle the challenges of balancing supply and demand, ensuring power stability, and alleviating grid constraints. As the world’s first energy storage system to provide stability services to NESO, this project represents a significant step in making renewable power more reliable and secure. The stability services provided include short-circuit level support and true synthetic inertia, both critical for maintaining grid efficiency as the UK transitions away from fossil fuel power generation. By improving the reliability of the country’s growing renewable energy capacity, the system is also expected to reduce consumer energy costs, with savings projected to exceed £170 million over the next 15 years.

James Basden, Founder and Director of Zenobē, explained, “Our batteries at Blackhillock are the first to use advanced power electronics, enabling a much higher uptake of renewable energy on the grid. This reduces costs for consumers while increasing grid reliability. Zenobē is leading the way in delivering this capability at scale, helping the UK become more competitive by providing clean, affordable power.”

The Blackhillock site is strategically located to integrate power from three major offshore wind farms in the North Sea, addressing grid congestion and ensuring that the UK’s abundant wind generation is fully utilized. This system will support the UK government’s goal of achieving a net-zero power grid by 2030, and Zenobē estimates the project will prevent approximately 2.6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions over the next 15 years by facilitating the integration of more wind power into the transmission network.

In addition to Wärtsilä’s Quantum battery energy storage system, the Blackhillock site also leverages the GEMS Digital Energy Platform. This sophisticated system allows Zenobē to remotely monitor and manage operations, easing network constraints by importing electricity during times of peak renewable generation. The data-driven platform also optimizes Zenobē’s participation in the UK’s electricity markets.

"As the UK increases its reliance on renewable energy sources like wind and solar, systems like Blackhillock will ensure that excess power is stored and made available during times of high demand," said Andrew Tang, Vice President of Wärtsilä Energy Storage & Optimisation. "Blackhillock sets a new benchmark for energy storage, playing a key role in balancing the grid and supporting the UK's transition to 100% renewable energy."

Wärtsilä is also delivering a second project for Zenobē under the Stability Pathfinder programme: the Kilmarnock South energy storage facility. This 300 MW / 600 MWh storage system, built with Wärtsilä’s Quantum High Energy storage technology, is expected to become operational by the end of 2025.