Scotland’s first transmission-connected battery
Zenobē’s 50MW battery in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, is the first to connect directly to the transmission system in Scotland…
Blackhillock: Europe’s largest grid-scale battery
Transforming Scotland’s renewable energy system
A world-first battery site delivering Stability Services for a net zero grid
01.
The challenge
Scotland’s renewable energy generation is increasing rapidly, but when the grid can’t handle all the electricity generated, some clean power goes unused. Generally, keeping the grid stable relies on fossil fuel plants, which drive up costs and emissions. To fully utilise Scotland’s offshore wind resources and transition to a net zero grid, an innovative solution was needed to manage power flow and ensure grid stability.
Grid constraints | Traditionally using fossil fuel | High costs and emissions
02.
The solution
At the time of going live, Blackhillock was the largest live transmission-connected battery in Europe, pioneering a new approach to grid stability by delivering a full suite of active and reactive power services.
With a 300MW / 600MWh capacity (delivered in two phases: 200MW live in 2025, additional 100MW in 2026), it maximises the usage of Scotland’s renewable energy output and enhances grid flexibility. Located between Inverness and Aberdeen, the battery reduces grid congestion from major offshore wind farms, including Viking (443MW), Moray East (950MW) and Beatrice (588MW).
By providing Stability Services, it ensures secure, reliable, and low-cost power for homes and businesses across the UK.
03.
The benefits
- Prevents 2.6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions over 15 years
- Lowers consumer energy bills by £170 million over 15 years
- Enhances grid stability without reliance on fossil fuel plants
- Reduces wind curtailment, ensuring homegrown renewable energy is fully utilised
- Accelerates the rollout of renewable power to help the UK meet net zero targets
“Blackhillock has additional importance, 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.”
James Basden
Founder Director, Zenobē
04.
How does it work?
Blackhillock is more than just a battery. Unlike traditional storage sites, it can respond instantly to grid events, providing the critical inertia support previously delivered by fossil fuel generators. This is made possible by its grid-forming inverter technology, which enables the battery to operate as a key stabilising force in the UK’s energy system.
Inertia for stability & flexibility
Provides dynamic grid resilience and frequency stabilisation
Mimics traditional generators
Provides dynamic grid resilience and frequency stabilisation
Grid-forming technology
Supports real-time grid stability by adjusting to power fluctuations instantly.
Fast response system
Provides dynamic grid resilience and frequency stabilisation
By integrating these advanced technologies, Blackhillock ensures Scotland’s growing renewable energy resources are reliably and efficiently integrated into the national grid.
05.
Overcoming grid constraints
With over 22GW of battery storage required as part of the UK’s Clean Power 2030 Plan, large-scale projects like Blackhillock are critical. The site plays a key role in:
- Providing Stability Services to ensure secure power supply
- Storing excess wind power and delivering it when demand is high
- Reducing reliance on fossil fuel backup generation
Zenobē has worked in collaboration with the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) to develop and integrate Blackhillock into the transmission network. This partnership ensures that the site can optimise the use of renewable energy while keeping electricity costs low for consumers.
In numbers
72994
300MW
capacity (200MW live in 2025, 100MW in 2026)
72994
2.61m
tonnes of CO₂ emissions prevented
72994
£170m+
in consumer bill savings over 15 years
Got a question about Blackhillock?
Talk to our experts about how Europe’s largest battery is transforming the grid.
Other grid-scale battery projects
Claredown Fast Reserve Power
Zenobē’s 20MW site at Claredown was part of the portfolio providing Fast Reserve to National Grid…
Capenhurst 100 MW battery: A world first
The Capenhurst site will ensure secure of power supply for the Mersey region with a reactive power service delivered at substantially lower cost to…
