Zenobe, the UK’s leading owner and operator of grid-scale batteries on the GB transmission network, has announced that its 300 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Kilmarnock, Scotland, has begun commercial operations.

The Kilmarnock South site went live just under two years after financial close and the start of construction in January 2024. The launch comes only ten months after Zenobe’s 200 MW Blackhillock BESS entered operation in March 2025.

Kilmarnock South is part of Zenobe’s £1 billion investment in battery storage and clean transportation in Scotland, with 1.3 GW of storage assets now operational or under construction across the country. The new BESS brings Zenob?’s total operational capacity in the UK to 731 MW, with an additional 568 MW / 1,230 MWh currently being built.

Strategically located near several offshore wind farms, Kilmarnock South will provide stability services, supporting a more efficient and resilient energy network as renewable generation continues to scale. It will be only the second BESS in the UK to deliver this capability using grid-forming inverters, following the Blackhillock site.

Zenobe partnered with Wärtsilä, which supplied the Quantum energy storage system technology; Omexom, responsible for Balance of Plant works; and EDF Energy, acting as the Route to Market provider. Kraken will support EDF’s energy trading by managing the control and dispatch of energy from the site.

As part of its community engagement, Zenobe will continue to work with local stakeholders through its Community Benefit Fund, administered by Foundation Scotland, supporting education and training opportunities in the region.

Commenting on the launch, Zenobe Founder Director James Basden said that the "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 waste of clean Scottish wind power."

"We’re incredibly proud of what the Zenobe team and our supply partners have achieved. Reducing bills for consumers nationwide by harnessing more renewable power is a key criterion for Zenobe as we build out our battery fleet in the UK."