Zenobē, an proprietor and operator of grid-scale batteries on the GB transmission community, has introduced that Europe’s largest battery web site, situated in Blackhillock, Scotland, has begun industrial operations.
The Blackhillock web site is launching in two phases. Part 1 contains of 200MW which went dwell on 3 March and can be adopted by an additional 100MW in 2026, making a complete of 300MW/600MWh. The whole capability of the positioning is the equal of powering over 3.1 million properties, mentioned the group, considerably greater than all of the households in Scotland, for one hour.
Intentionally situated between Inverness and Aberdeen to handle grid congestion from Viking (443 MW), Moray East (950 MW) and Beatrice (588 MW) offshore wind farms, the venture is alleged to considerably cut back the quantity of wasted clear vitality and is a vital milestone to attaining the UK authorities’s mission to have a web zero energy grid by 2030.
Battery storage performs a vital position within the UK’s web zero transition with over 22GW required at least within the Authorities’s Clear Energy 2030 Plan. As Britain will increase its reliance on renewable vitality sources corresponding to wind and photo voltaic, batteries like Blackhillock will be sure that extra energy may be saved after which used throughout occasions of elevated demand.
Along with being Europe’s largest battery, the Blackhillock web site would be the first on the planet to supply Stability Providers to the Nationwide Power System Operator (NESO) to make renewable energy safer and dependable. Wärtsilä is supplying its Quantum vitality storage system expertise and GEMS Digital Power Platform with SMA grid forming inverters enabling a resilient energy system with excessive energy high quality. Scottish and Southern Electrical energy Networks (SSEN) delivered the grid connection required for the positioning to harness the renewable vitality on its transmission community.
EDF Wholesale Market Providers would be the Path to Market supplier for the positioning, by means of its market main buying and selling platform, Powershift. This platform mixed with Zenobē’s battery optimisation specialists will construct extra flexibility into the grid, important to decreasing wind curtailment and accelerating the decarbonisation of the community.
“By integrating this cutting-edge technology, Blackhillock will enhance the reliability of the UK’s growing renewable power system and help reduce consumer bills nationwide,” mentioned a press launch from the group. “The site is expected to save consumers over £170 million over the next 15 years. It will also prevent approximately 2.6 million tonnes of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere during this period by integrating more wind power onto the transmission network.”
Commenting, Zenobē Founder Director James Basden mentioned: “As we speak marks a vital juncture in Britain’s clear energy journey as Zenobē provides over 30% to the capability of operational battery storage in Scotland. Battery storage has an important position to play in our transition to renewable vitality, so I’m proud that Zenobē and our companions are main the way in which by launching Europe’s largest and most technically superior battery.
“This project has additional importance, with the Blackhillock site being the first transmission connected battery in the world to deliver Stability Services alongside several other crucial services. As the UK steps up the pace on a transition to renewable power, these services are vital if we are to ensure the reliability and affordability of our grid moving forwards.”
Fintan Slye, CEO of the Nationwide Power System Operator, mentioned: “Our 2025 ambition to enable zero carbon operation of Great Britain’s national electricity network is central to NESO’s mission. The delivery by Zenobe of this grid forming battery is a major accomplishment and brings us a step closer to this goal. Battery storage is critical to the future reliability and affordability of the UK grid and pairing it with this grid forming technology can unlock even greater resilience for a net-zero network.”
Power Minister Michael Shanks mentioned: “”We’re losing no time in delivering clear energy by 2030, with the Blackhillock battery web site marking the most recent milestone in delivering our mission to turn into a clear vitality superpower.
“With each wind turbine put up, photo voltaic panel put in, and battery facility constructed, we’re defending households from future vitality shocks.
“Battery sites like this are helping store our clean, surplus energy to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels – which will protect households and boost our energy security for good.”
