Project Spotlight
Zenobē
200 MW / 400 MWh
A first-of-its kind storage project in the UK
Powering a future of renewable energy
Optimising storage-plus-wind
With the UK targeting 100% greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2050, integrating energy storage technologies with the grid for more efficient and flexible energy dispatchability has become a major priority.
The 200 MW / 400 MWh energy storage system (ESS) will be one of the first in the world to deliver stability services using a transmission-connected battery, which will support the UK’s transition to a zero-carbon energy network by preparing the grid for an increased supply of renewables. The transmission-connected battery provides important stabilisation for the grid, which has traditionally been supplied by fossil fuel-powered generators.
Main Data
| Customer | Zenobē |
| Site size | 200 MW / 400 MWh |
| Site locations | Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Applications | Renewables+ |
| Scope of services | Engineered Equipment Delivery (EEQ) |
| Delivery | 2024 |
Reliability coupled with innovation
Improving long-term grid stability
The energy storage system is the first project to be delivered under National Grid’s NOA Stability Pathfinder Programme to improve the long-term stability of the electricity system. Owned by Zenobē, the ESS will assist grid operators in the management of challenges related to balancing supply and demand, power stability and constraints.
The battery system will provide stability services to the National Grid Electricity System Operator, including short-circuit level and true synthetic inertia, which are essential for the grid to function efficiently as fossil fuel plants phase out.
The project couples Wärtsilä’s GridSolv Quantum energy system with inverter technology and is robustly supporter with Wärtsilä’s GEMS Digital Energy Platform. GEMS will manage the complete system to optimise operations and ease network constraints by importing electricity at times of peak renewable generation.
Challenge
Wärtsilä's Solution
Benefit
Allow for integration of nearby offshore wind energy projects with the UK grid.
Provide short-circuit level and true synthetic inertia to the National Grid Electricity System Operator.
Facilitate the UK’s transition to net-zero by enabling more wind power onto the transmission network.
Provide stability services as the UK phases out fossil fuel plants.
Deliver inverter technology that pushes the technical boundaries of the type of support that batteries can provide to the grid.
Improve the long-term stability and reliability of the electricity grid.
Meet network demand and customer cost expectations.
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.
Support the UK’s energy independence and lower consumer energy bills.