Battery storage specialist Zenobē has announced the start of operations of Europe’s largest battery plant in Blackhillock, Scotland. With a total capacity of 300 MW/600 MWh, the system is designed to improve grid stability and reduce the loss of renewable energy.
A breakthrough with Zenobē’s battery plant
Strategically located between Inverness and Aberdeen, the facility will help mitigate grid congestion caused by wind farms such as Viking ( 443 MW ), Moray East ( 950 MW ) and Beatrice ( 588 MW ). Through this technology, “lost” wind energy can be stored and redistributed during peak demand.
In addition to its size, the Blackhillock plant is a pioneer in offering stability services to the National Energy System Operator ( NESO ), using grid-forming inverters supplied by SMA, as part of its technological strategy.
The integration of this battery is estimated to save consumers over £170m over the next 15 years. It will also prevent the emission of approximately 2.6 million tonnes of CO₂, improving the country’s decarbonisation targets.
The plant will be managed through Wärtsilä ’s GEMS digital platform , enabling dynamic optimisation of energy storage and distribution. In collaboration with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks ( SSEN ) and EDF Wholesale Market Services , the project aims to strengthen the flexibility of the electricity market and accelerate the integration of clean energy.
Today marks a pivotal moment in Britain’s clean energy journey as Zenobē adds more than 30% to operational battery storage capacity in Scotland.
James Basden, founding director of Zenobē.
Battery storage is critical to the future reliability and affordability of the UK grid and combining it with this grid-forming technology can create even greater resilience for a net-zero grid.
Fintan Slye, CEO of the National Energy System Operator.
With every wind turbine installed, every solar panel installed, and every battery facility built, we are protecting families from future energy crises.
Michael Shanks, Energy Minister.
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Source and photo: Zenobē
