Zenobē has announced the acquisition of a 400 MW BESS system at Low Harker in Cumbria, northwest England, previously developed by Innova. This ready-to-build project represents a strategic move towards the UK target of reaching 25 GW of installed capacity in energy storage by 2030.
Strategic, technical and social impact of the project
The chosen location, close to the Harker Harker substationsubstation, is key to improving energy flow and solving location constraints. Its connection is scheduled for 2028. This operation was facilitated by the British government’s decision to maintain the national electricity pricing structure, which favors investments such as this one.
The site will be able to offer inertial and reactive powerparticularly relevant following the closure of plants such as Heysham nuclear. Zenobē will apply its expertise in grid inverters, as it has already demonstrated at Blackhillock, enabling it to participate in diversified energy services that strengthen the grid and reduce wasted renewable energy.
In line with Innova’s community promise, a social benefits program will be implemented, including collaboration with parish councils and organizations such as The Country Trust. The investment will be used to improve local wellbeing throughout the life of the project.
Expansion of the BESS system and sustained growth
With this acquisition, Zenobē adds an achievement to its portfolio, which already includes 1.2 GW in operation or under construction, and maintains its strategy of operating transmission-connected assets. This is in addition to its recent addition of 1 GW at Butlers Wood, reaffirming its role in the transition to a decarbonized grid.
Semih Oztreves, global head of grid infrastructure at Zenobē, noted that this site represents a decisive step towards accelerating the UK’s flexible energy infrastructure without recourse to state subsidies.
Daniel Mushin and Jon Sheppard, principals of Innova, noted that the development of the site demonstrates the potential for collaboration to drive resilient energy solutions across the country.
Source and photo: Zenobē
