Wärtsilä's next-gen BESS all-set for its first customer deployment in Scotland

Wärtsilä has announced the supply of a 300 MW/ 600 MWh battery energy storage system to Zenobē, an electric vehicle fleet and battery storage specialist, in Kilmarnock, Scotland. This marks the the company's first commercial deployment of its latest 'Quantum High Energy' next-generation battery energy storage system (BESS). 

The energy storage system is expected help grid operators to better balance the supply-demand and ensure efficient integration of renewable (wind) energy in the region. The project is expected to abate 3,400,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over the next 15 years, according to the manufacturer. 

"Wärtsilä is proud to partner with Zenobē to accelerate the transition to renewable energy in Scotland," said Andy Tang, Vice President, Wärtsilä Energy Storage and Optimization. "This project brings Wärtsilä's portfolio of energy storage assets in the United Kingdom over 2 gigawatt hours. We are committed to assisting customers in the UK reach their national decarbonization targets through innovative energy storage solutions", he added. 

This is the second energy storage system Wärtsilä is delivering to Zenobē, also one of the largest in Scotland to date. The company previously supplied a 200 MW/ 400 MWh BESS to Zenobē for deployment in Blackhillock, Scotland back in February 2023, which is expected to be operational by autumn 2024.

James Basden, Founder, Zenobē, commented on the development, "Reaching this significant milestone demonstrates Zenobē'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. 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", he added.

The project is to 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.