Europe’s Largest Battery Energy Storage Site Goes Live in Scotland

The 200 MW / 400 MWh Blackhillock energy storage system in Scotland, provided by Wärtsilä for Zenobē, is now operational. As the largest battery storage site in Europe, it is the first project under the Network Options Assessment (NOA) Stability Pathfinder programme, an initiative by the National Grid Electricity System Operator (NESO) to enhance grid stability in Scotland.

Blackhillock is the world’s first site to provide stability services to NESO, including short-circuit level and true synthetic inertia, which are essential for integrating more renewables into the grid as fossil fuel plants phase out. The system will increase grid reliability, reduce consumer costs, and prevent 2.6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions over 15 years. Zenobē estimates the project will save UK consumers over £170 million in the same period.

Strategically located near three major North Sea offshore wind farms, Blackhillock will help integrate wind power, reduce grid congestion, and ensure excess renewable energy is not wasted. Using Wärtsilä’s Quantum battery storage system and the GEMS Digital Energy Platform, Zenobē can remotely operate the system and participate in key electricity markets by balancing supply and demand.

“As Britain transitions to renewables, projects like Blackhillock ensure excess wind and solar energy can be stored and used when needed, playing a key role in achieving a 100% renewable grid,” said Andrew Tang, Vice President, Wärtsilä Energy Storage & Optimisation.

Zenobē and Wärtsilä are also collaborating on Kilmarnock South, a 300 MW / 600 MWh storage project under the Stability Pathfinder programme, expected to be operational by late 2025.