Wärtsilä Corporation, News, 13 October 2025 at 5:00PM EEST
Wärtsilä Energy Storage has been named to the 2025 edition of TIME’s Best Inventions, an annual list that recognises innovations that make the world better, smarter, and more sustainable.
TIME recognised Wärtsilä for its work at the Blackhillock site in Scotland, a first-of-its-kind energy storage system in the UK. Delivered to owner and operator Zenobē, the 200 MW / 400 MWh site is one of the largest grid-scale energy storage systems in Europe and the first globally to provide stability services to the National Energy System Operator (NESO) for Great Britain. Launched in March 2025 under the National Grid’s NOA Stability Pathfinder programme, the project helps balance supply and demand while supporting the UK’s transition to renewable energy. Over the next 15 years, it is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 2.6 million tonnes.
The system delivers stability services that are critical to maintaining a reliable and stable grid, including short-circuit support and synthetic inertia. Using advanced grid-forming inverters, it provides virtual inertia and fault response, enabling greater wind energy integration and less wasted renewable energy.
At its core is Wärtsilä’s GEMS Digital Energy Platform, which optimises power flow, eases grid constraints, and supports Zenobē’s participation in key UK electricity markets. GEMS also ensures safe, flexible, and remote system operation.
“Being named to TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025 is a proud moment for Wärtsilä Energy Storage,” added Tamara DeGruyter, President of Wärtsilä Energy Storage and EVP Wärtsilä. “It’s a clear signal that energy storage is not just a supporting technology—it’s a cornerstone of the net-zero transition. This project represents a major milestone as we’re not just supporting the UK’s transition to renewables, but we’re setting a global benchmark for stability and sustainability.”
Each year, TIME’s editors and correspondents around the world nominate and evaluate inventions based on key factors including originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact. The result is a diverse list of 300 groundbreaking innovations changing lives worldwide.
See the full list here: time.com/collections/best-inventions-2025/
Media contact for more information on this announcement:
Amanda Young
Director, Marketing & Communications
Wärtsilä Energy Storage
amanda.young@wartsila.com
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Wärtsilä Energy Storage in brief
Wärtsilä Energy Storage is at the forefront of the transition towards a 100% renewable energy future. We help customers accelerate global decarbonisation efforts by combining proven technologies with deep grid expertise. Our portfolio includes high-performance hardware, intelligent controls and optimisation software, and full-service lifecycle support to deliver lasting value across the project lifespan. From enhancing grid stability to unlocking flexibility and operational efficiency, our utility-scale battery energy storage solutions are built for real-world performance. Trusted by top-tier utilities, developers, and system operators, Wärtsilä Energy Storage has a global footprint across 130+ sites—delivering the scale, safety, and reliability needed to power the energy transition.
www.wartsila.com/energy/energy-storage
Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. We emphasise innovation in sustainable technology and services to help our customers continuously improve environmental and economic performance. Our dedicated and passionate team of 18,300 professionals in more than 230 locations in 77 countries shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. In 2024, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 6.4 billion. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
www.wartsila.com
