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Strategic report
OCU Group | Annual report and financial statements 2025
Governance
Financial statements
An example of how we are realising the market opportunities OCU Energy Transition
Case study | Energy Transition
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Eccles | Zenobe
Program overview This 400MW BESS program represents a major step forward in enhancing grid flexibility and renewable energy integration. Delivering for Zenobe, the facility is being constructed on a 20‑acre site near Eccles Substation. Once complete it will offer 400MW of export capacity and 800MWh of usable energy storage, supporting a more stable, sustainable and secure energy system.
Challenge The program demands close co‑ordination across a large, multi-disciplinary team to meet ambitious delivery timescales and technical standards. Key challenges include managing simultaneous site operations, maintaining safe and uninterrupted access for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and vehicle movement, and ensuring system integrity through careful cable installation and interface control. The complexity of integrating new infrastructure with existing systems, while maintaining strict safety and environmental compliance, requires agile planning and proactive stakeholder engagement.
Solution OCU has deployed a full suite of Group capabilities across the project, from design development through to procurement and construction. Our teams are delivering electrical installation, trenchless technology, commissioning, and civil works. Our use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), including off-site build techniques, is helping to reduce timescales, minimise disruption, and enhance on-site safety and quality. Collaboration between established and recently acquired OCU Group businesses enabled the project through shared expertise. Early site surveys planned cable routes and allowed for strategic mobilisation of equipment. Cable trenches follow approved pathways with rigorous safety compliance, and all jointing and terminations undergo thorough testing to guarantee connection integrity. Ongoing dialogue with stakeholders ensures design intent is maintained while meeting local and energy objectives. This integrated approach helps us maintain momentum across all workstreams.
Outcome The Eccles BESS will deliver
significant long-term benefits for the UK’s energy system, delivering large‑scale storage to help balance demand, reduce emissions, and enable greater use of renewables. While construction is ongoing, the project already demonstrates OCU’s ability to lead complex infrastructure programs with confidence, combining in-house expertise, modern techniques, and proactive stakeholder collaboration. The project reflects our commitment to accelerating the energy transition through technically robust, future-ready solutions that serve both national strategy and local communities.
The program is central to wider infrastructure upgrades designed to support the Scottish Government’s long-term energy strategy. Key facts • 400MW export/800MWh storage capacity • 20-acre site near Eccles Substation • Enabling works began in December 2024 with full mobilisation in March 2025 • Using full in-house capabilities including design, civils, HDD and electrical installation • Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) used to reduce timescales and improve safety
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