Energy storage projects improving the grid's reliability in the UK

With the UK government's mission to have a net zero power grid by 2030, integrating battery energy storage technologies with the grid for more efficient and flexible energy dispatchability has become a major priority.

The 200 MW / 400 MWh and 300 MW / 600 MWh battery energy storage systems (BESS) deliver stability services using transmission-connected batteries, supporting the UK’s transition to a zero-carbon energy network by preparing the grid for an increased supply of renewables.

Reliability coupled with innovation

The energy storage systems are delivered under National Energy System Operator's (NESO) NOA Stability Pathfinder Programme to improve the long-term stability of the electricity system. Owned by Zenobē, the systems assist grid operators in the management of challenges related to balancing supply and demand, power stability and constraints.

The systems provide stability services to the NESO, including short-circuit level and true synthetic inertia, which are essential for the grid to function efficiently as fossil fuel plants phase out.

The Blackhillock project is built with Wärtsilä’s Quantum, a fully-integrated, modular and compact ESS. Kilmarnock South is the first project to be delivered with Quantum High Energy, a next-generation energy storage system with advanced safety features and enhanced energy density. The systems are robustly supported with Wärtsilä’s sophisticated software that can monitor the sites in real-time and optimise operations. Blackhillock is operational and Kilmarnock South is currently under construction.

The GEMS Digital Energy Platform manages the complete energy storage systems. The software eases network constraints by importing electricity at times of peak renewable generation. GEMS’ data-based intelligence enables Zenobē to participate in the most valuable UK electricity markets.

Who	Zenobē
What	200 MW / 400 MWh 300 MW / 600 MWh
Where	Scotland, UK

This is what we achieved

GWh of energy storage capacity

£170

million savings expected for consumers over the next 15 years

2.6

million tonnes of CO₂ prevented from entering the atmosphere over the next 15 years

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.

James Basden, Founder and Director, Zenobē

How we did it

Challenge

Allow for integration of nearby offshore wind energy projects with the UK grid
Provide stability services as the UK phases out fossil fuel plants
Meet network demand and customer cost expectations

Solution

Provide short-circuit level and true synthetic inertia to the National Grid Electricity System Operator
Deliver inverter technology that pushes the technical boundaries of the type of support that batteries can provide to the grid
Supply Wärtsilä’s energy storage management software including the GEMS Fleet Direct and Power Plant Controller to optimise operations, while easing network constraints by importing electricity at times of peak renewable generation

Benefit

Facilitate the UK’s transition to net-zero by enabling more wind power onto the transmission network
Improve the long-term stability and reliability of the electricity grid
Support the UK’s energy independence and lower consumer energy bills

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The main details

Customer	Zenobē
Site size	200 MW / 400 MWh 300 MW / 600 MWh
Site location	Scotland, UK
Application(s)	Stability services (including synthetic inertia), Renewables+
Scope of services	Engineered Equipment Delivery (EEQ)
Delivery	2024-2025

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Case study

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