Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 1, Zenobe, a UK-based energy company, has acquired a 400-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Carlisle, Cumbria, from Innova. The Low Harker site, with planning consent secured in October 2023, is ready for construction and has a grid connection scheduled for 2028.

The project will connect to the Harker substation, a key grid hub, and is designed to provide essential services such as inertia and reactive power, particularly following the closure of nearby thermal facilities like the Heysham nuclear plant. Zenobe will leverage its expertise from the Blackhillock project in Scotland, utilizing grid-forming inverters to enhance grid stability, participate in multiple energy markets, and minimize curtailment.

Semih Oztreves, Zenobe’s global director of network infrastructure, stated: “The Harker project marks another milestone in delivering the flexible, resilient energy infrastructure the UK needs to accelerate its transition to net zero.” The acquisition aligns with the UK’s goal of achieving 25 gigawatts of BESS capacity by 2030, supporting the shift toward sustainable energy systems.

Innova, which initiated development in 2022, emphasized the project’s role in advancing clean energy infrastructure. The company noted that the Low Harker project demonstrates its ability to deliver impactful renewable energy solutions. Community benefit agreements have been established with local parish councils and organizations, ensuring support for local initiatives throughout the project’s lifecycle.

With this acquisition, Zenobe’s portfolio of BESS assets—either operational, under construction, or ready to build—reaches 1.6 gigawatts. This includes the recently acquired 1-gigawatt Butlers Wood connection, further strengthening Zenobe’s position in the UK’s energy storage sector. The Carlisle project is expected to enhance grid reliability and support the integration of renewable energy sources.

The initiative reflects a commitment to sustainable energy development in Cumbria, contributing to both environmental and economic goals. By providing critical grid services, the Low Harker BESS will help balance energy supply and demand, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The project is also anticipated to create local opportunities through community engagement and infrastructure development.

Zenobe’s strategic acquisition underscores its leadership in advancing the UK’s clean energy transition. The combination of innovative technology and strategic grid connections positions the Low Harker project as a key component in building a resilient and sustainable energy network. As construction progresses toward the 2028 connection date, the project will play a vital role in supporting the UK’s long-term energy objectives.