The project will be delivered under Great Britain’s National Grid’s NOA Stability Pathfinder programme, which aims to cost-effectively address stability issues in the electricity system created by the increased adoption of intermittent renewable generation. The energy storage system will help grid operators to better balance supply and demand and ensure that the country’s abundant wind generation is not wasted. The project is expected to abate 3 400 000 t of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions over the next 15 years.
“Wärtsilä is proud to partner with Zenobe to accelerate the transition to renewable energy in Scotland,” said Andy Tang, Vice President, Wärtsilä Energy Storage and Optimisation. “This project brings Wärtsilä’s portfolio of energy storage assets in the United Kingdom over 2 GWh. We are committed to assisting customers in the UK reach their national decarbonisation targets through energy storage solutions.”
This project follows the announcement in February 2023 of a 200 MW / 400 MWh energy storage system Wärtsilä will deliver to Zenobe in Blackhillock, Scotland. The Blackhillock site is on track to be operational by autumn 2024. Once operational, both Zenobe projects will play a key role in achieving Scotland's ambitious renewable energy objectives.
"This demonstrates Zenobe’s commitment to better utilise wind power and support its growth by doubling Scotland’s battery storage capacity. Kilmarnock South will enhance the country’s position as a leader in delivering energy that is cost-effective, clean, and efficient,” commented James Basden, Founder, Zenobe. “This is an important moment as we bolster the UK's energy infrastructure and help to ensure that every household feels the benefits of sustainable, affordable electricity”.
The Kilmarnock South project is Wärtsilä's second project being delivered to meet NOA Stability Pathfinder requirements. Wärtsilä’s intelligent energy management system, the GEMS Digital Energy Platform, will ease network constraints by importing electricity at times of peak renewable generation. GEMS’ data-based intelligence will enable Zenobe to participate in the most valuable UK electricity markets.
For more news and technical articles from the global renewable industry, read the latest issue of Energy Global magazine.
Energy Global's Winter 2023 issue
The Winter 2023 issue of Energy Global hosts an array of technical articles weather analysis, geothermal solutions, energy storage technology, and more. This issue also features a regional report looking at the future of renewables in North America, and a report from Théodore Reed-Martin, Editorial Assistant, Energy Global, on how Iceland utilises its unique geology for renewable energy.
