Lerwick, Shetland
68MW battery storage project
Zenobē intends to commence construction of a battery energy storage system in Lerwick, Shetland to provide a long-term, stand-by solution for Shetland and will be crucial for the security of energy supply for the island
The latest addition to our portfolio of battery energy storage systems in Scotland
Zenobē designs, finances, builds, owns and operates battery energy storage systems (BESS). We help grid operators overcome the challenges in balancing supply and demand and overcoming power stability and constraints as we transition away from fossil fuels towards net zero.
By 2027, Zenobē is on track to deliver 1.2GW of battery power, which will make us one of the largest owners and operators of battery storage in the UK.
What is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)?
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are critical infrastructure to ensure that renewable power, like wind and solar, does not go to waste. Batteries can be deployed in many ways to optimise and stabilise electricity systems. They can store surplus power during periods when generation exceeds demand and export it back into the system when consumers need power most.
Connected to the National Grid or local distribution systems, these batteries act to stabilise constraints on the grid to ensure security of supply and lower energy costs. It is this stabilisation and security of supply that are the key objectives of the Shetland BESS project.
Why Shetland needs a Battery Energy Storage System
Our battery energy storage system will be a long-term stand-by solution for Shetland and is crucial for security of energy supply for the island.
In the event of an issue with the HVDC link connecting Shetland to the mainland grid, the Zenobē site will provide a back-up service called ‘fault-ride through’ which will ensure power to the island until Lerwick Diesel Power Station can switch on.
Viking Wind Farm is expected to be one of the most productive onshore wind farms in the world. The Shetland BESS will ensure clean power for residents of the island, ensuring the abundant wind power from Shetland is harnessed.
Traffic management during construction and operation
Construction Traffic
Construction traffic will be closely managed to ensure minimum impact to local residents. We expect an average of 30 deliveries per day depending on the phase of development:
- Civils phase sees the highest volumes of HGVs deliveries, mainly for importing concrete for foundations, ducting and other building and construction materials.
- Equipment deliveries including batteries, inverters, switch rooms and cabling will be delivered to site by standard flat bed or low loader HGVs.
- Commissioning and testing will mainly be undertaken using light vehicles (cars and vans) with occasional HGV movements
- Abnormal loads – there will be no abnormal load deliveries during this project.
Operational Traffic
There will be little requirement for HGV movements to and from the site once it is operational. Traffic during operation will be limited to monthly visits using a small van or 4×4 vehicle.
Operational safety management
Modern battery energy storage systems are safe facilities and they comply with all relevant fire safety standards and insurance requirements. Each of the battery containers includes heat, gas, and smoke sensors, as well as automatic fire suppression systems. These can be quickly activated onsite, or remotely from our 24-hour control room.
Our battery energy storage systems, once live, are constantly monitored. In the unlikely event of an issue with a battery pack, it will be shut down and isolated until it has been physically inspected; only then will it be either repaired or replaced.
We will work with local fire and rescue services to ensure suitable Battery Fire Safety Management Plans and Emergency Response Procedures are in place and adhered to. Throughout a site’s design, construction and operation, we’re committed to ensuring its safety and compliance.
Community benefit
The project will have a dedicated community benefit fund
Our community benefit programme will be developed with the community in Shetland to ensure it’s well-considered and will deliver tangible outcomes.
We have partnered with Foundation Scotland who are a registered charity to administer our community benefit fund in Shetland.
Zenobē will make an annual donation of £20,000 (index-linked) for the duration of the project, expected to be 30 years, to be deployed within the local community.
Who are Zenobē?
Zenobē designs, builds and operates battery energy storage systems (BESS) that maximise the uptake of renewable power, ensuring it does not go to waste and can power our homes and our transport.
Founded in the UK in 2017, we will deliver 1.2GW worth of battery storage projects by 2026.
We’re investing £750m into the Scottish electricity transmission network over the next three years, to 2026. These sites will save more than 1 billion tonnes of CO2, over their 15 years of operation.
Scotland's commitment to net-zero
The Scottish and UK Governments have made a legal commitment to cut carbon emissions to net-zero. With the move away from fossil fuels, the demand for electricity will increase with the need to electrify transport, heating and more.
Battery storage plays a key role in helping the UK meet its net zero ambitions as it allows a greater amount of cheap renewable energy to be deployed whilst providing critical balancing and stability services without the need for traditional fossil power stations.
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions about our battery energy storage system in development in Lerwick, Shetland please contact our project management team via email: ukprojects@zenobe.com
Project documents and community engagement events
If you cannot find the document you are looking for, get in touch with our project development team by emailing ukprojects@zenobe.com
The next community engagement event will take place on Wednesday, 7th May in Staney Hill Hall from 6 – 7:30pm.
