Zenobe has begun the construction of its Kilmarnock South battery storage project, a significant 300 MW/600 MWh development aimed at enhancing Scotland’s renewable energy capacity. This project forms part of Zenobe’s broader £750 million investment to expand Scotland’s battery storage capabilities by 2025.
Kilmarnock South, anticipated to be operational by late 2025, is expected to play a crucial role in optimising Scotland’s wind energy resources. The project, a key part of Zenobe’s 1.2 GW storage initiative in Scotland, is projected to help reduce energy bills by around £1 billion over the next 15 years through decreased curtailment costs.
The new site also aims to prevent approximately 3,400,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions over the same timeframe. This initiative aligns with Scotland’s renewable energy goals and positions the country at the forefront of managing renewable power on a global scale.
NatWest arranged the project’s funding, with backing from an international group of investors, emphasising the growing interest in grid-scale battery storage development.
Zenobe’s investment in Scotland, totaling £750 million, includes a network of storage sites, with Kilmarnock South being a central component. The company’s first operational project in this series, a 50 MW grid-connected battery in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, was launched last November. This battery, directly connected to the Scottish transmission network, is estimated to power 130,000 homes in Scotland for two hours using previously unusable surplus wind power.
The company has engaged several suppliers for this large-scale project. SMA Solar Technology AG will supply battery inverters and medium voltage power stations, while Wärtsilä has been appointed as the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) supplier. Omexom is tasked with Balance of Plant works, and GE Grid Solutions will provide two 180MVA transformers for the project.
James Basden, Founder of Zenobe, stated, “Reaching this significant milestone demonstrates Zenobē’s commitment to stopping the waste of wind power by doubling Scotland’s battery storage capacity. Kilmarnock South will enhance the country’s position in delivering energy that is cost-effective, clean, and efficient. 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.”
Simon Innis, Managing Director of Omexom UK and Ireland, commented, “Omexom UK is committed to achieving the potential of the energy transition, and this project aligns seamlessly with our core mission. With a proven track record of successfully implementing Battery Storage Systems Solutions (BESS) across the UK, Omexom UK is thrilled to be selected by Zenobe to contribute to this pivotal initiative. Together, we are poised to play a significant role in empowering Scotland to achieve its ambitious energy and environmental objectives.”
Zenobe isn’t the only company looking to scale up battery storage operations in Scotland, however. Yesterday, it was revealed that RES had also submitted a planning application for a new 45 MW energy storage project near Alness in the Scottish Highlands.