Zenobē has acquired a 400MW ready-to-build battery energy storage system (BESS) in Low Harker, Cumbria, from Innova, marking a major step in its strategy to expand transmission-scale assets across the UK.
The site, which has a 2028 grid connection date, supports the UK’s national target of reaching 25GW of BESS capacity by 2030.
Innova began developing the Harker site in 2022 and secured planning consent in October 2023. Located near the Harker substation, the project is positioned to alleviate locational grid constraints and reduce consumer energy costs. It will also provide inertia and reactive power services following the retirement of regional assets such as the Heysham nuclear power station.
Zenobē will apply its experience from the Blackhillock site in Scotland – Europe’s largest battery project at the time of commissioning – to enable grid-forming capabilities and multi-market service stacking.
“The Harker project marks another milestone in delivering the flexible, resilient energy infrastructure the UK needs to accelerate its transition to net zero,” said Semih Oztreves, global director of network infrastructure at Zenobē. “We’re excited to take forward the development of this strategically important site and are committed to engaging with the local community to ensure the project delivers meaningful benefits throughout its lifetime.”
