Zenobē has brought its 300MW battery energy storage system at Kilmarnock South into commercial operation, making it one of the UK’s largest battery storage sites by power capacity.
The project, based near Kilmarnock, Scotland, reached commercial operations in just under two years after financial close, with construction having begun in January 2024. Zenobē’s announcement comes 10 months after its 200MW Blackhillock BESS entered operation in March 2025, which at the time was billed as Europe’s largest battery.
Like Blackhillock, Kilmarnock South is set to play a role in the National Grid’s push for greater system stability as renewable generation grows. Zenobē said the site will provide stability services and will be only the second battery storage system in the UK to deliver those services using grid-forming inverters.
The company positions the project as part of a broader build-out north of the border. Zenobē said Kilmarnock South sits within a £1 billion investment programme covering battery storage and clean transportation in Scotland, with 1.3GW of storage assets now operational or under construction across the country.
Across the UK, Zenobē said its operational battery capacity now stands at 731MW, with a further 568MW/1,230MWh under construction.
Delivery partners and route to market
The project has been delivered with Wärtsilä supplying its Quantum energy storage system technology. Omexom carried out balance-of-plant works, while EDF Energy is acting as route to market provider for the site.
Zenobē also said Kraken’s platform will support EDF’s energy trading by managing control and dispatch of energy from the battery.
In Scotland, the company said it will continue engaging with the local community through a Community Benefit Fund administered by Foundation Scotland, with a focus on supporting education and training opportunities in the area.
Commenting, Zenobē Founder/Director James Basden said, “Kilmarnock South is a landmark moment for Scotland – a world-first, subsidy-free battery that will reduce energy bills and strengthen Britain’s energy security. This battery will contribute towards ending the absurd waste of clean Scottish wind power.
“We’re incredibly proud of what the Zenobē team and our supply partners have achieved. Reducing bills for consumers nationwide by harnessing more renewable power is a key criteria for Zenobē as we build out our battery fleet in the UK.”
