We have acted as Technical Adviser to Zenobē, the UK’s leading owner and operator of grid-scale battery storage, to support its acquisition of a 400MW ready-to-build battery energy storage system (BESS) in Low Harker, Cumbria.
The site was acquired from Innova, one of the largest developers of renewable energy and data centres in the UK, which has been developing the Harker site since 2022 and achieved planning consent on the project in October 2023.
Our main scope was to review the site and the grid connection, including the general site conditions, archaeology, flood risk, noise assessment; transport study and site access; cable route, previous land use; ground conditions and geotech studies; site design, access, constructability and operability; ecology and habitat management.
Pradeep Jayakumar, Technical Director for BESS & Hybrids at Natural Power, said: “We’re proud to have supported Zenobē on the acquisition of the Harker site, which represents one of the largest ready-to-build battery storage projects in the UK. Our technical review ensured a robust understanding of the site and its grid connection, helping to de-risk the project at this critical stage.
“Large-scale battery storage is central to enabling a flexible, resilient and low-carbon energy system, and we’re pleased to play a role in progressing such a strategically important development.”
Kaitlin Beattie, our Senior Technical Adviser for Energy Storage, added: “Delivering such a comprehensive scope of work on the Harker site really demonstrated the strength of our multi-disciplinary team. We were able to draw on deep expertise across the business to provide Zenobē with a thorough and reliable assessment. Projects of this scale and importance demand a joined-up approach, and I’m proud that our collaborative effort has helped to underpin the next steps for one of the UK’s largest battery storage developments.”
The acquisition of the Harker site adds 400MW of ready-to-build battery storage to Zenobē’s 1.2GW portfolio, reinforcing its strategy of owning and operating transmission-scale assets to strengthen Britain’s energy network. The project builds on Zenobē’s experience with grid-forming inverters, first deployed at Blackhillock in Scotland, enabling participation in multiple energy markets and supporting grid stability, lower consumer costs and efficient use of renewables. Alongside enhancing network security, the project will also deliver a package of community benefits in partnership with Rockcliffe and Westlinton Parish Councils, Rockcliffe Community Centre, and The Country Trust, developed in line with Innova’s Community Promise.
Commenting, Zenobē’s Global Director of Network Infrastructure Semih Oztreves, said: “The Harker project marks another milestone in delivering the flexible, resilient energy infrastructure the UK needs to accelerate its transition to net zero. 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.
“Over the coming months, our team will focus on securing long-term route to market and supply chain partners – we look forward to engaging with the market on this. The site reflects our long-term commitment to developing, owning and operating battery solutions that support the energy transition without reliance on government subsidies.”