Zenobē, a UK-based leader in battery storage, has officially commenced commercial operations at its Blackhillock battery site in Scotland. The 600 MWh facility marks the largest battery storage project in Europe and will play a crucial role in maximizing the output of offshore wind farms.
Located strategically between Inverness and Aberdeen, the site is designed to alleviate grid congestion caused by large-scale renewable energy projects such as Viking, Moray East, and Beatrice. By optimizing energy utilization and reducing curtailment, Blackhillock will provide stability services to the National Energy System Operator (NESO), ensuring a steady and resilient power supply.
The facility’s capacity is expected to generate consumer savings of £172 million ($218.7 million) over the next 15 years, primarily through stability services that reduce reliance on gas turbines and balancing services that lower grid constraints and price fluctuations.
Zenobē co-founder James Basden noted that the project sets a new benchmark as Europe’s most technically advanced battery site, adding more than 30% to Scotland’s existing battery storage capacity. The facility is supported by cutting-edge technology from Wärtsilä and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN).
This milestone marks a significant step toward securing the UK’s clean energy future, reducing fossil fuel reliance, and protecting households from energy price volatility. As the world transitions towards renewable energy sources, projects like Blackhillock will play an increasingly important role in ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply.
Source: https://interestingengineering.com/energy/europe-largest-battery-storage-scotland