Traditionally, black start and system restoration services have relied on large, transmission‑connected synchronous generators such as hydropower plants and fossil‑fuel thermal stations. However, the progressive decommissioning of conventional generation assets, together with the rapid growth of offshore wind capacity, is driving the need for alternative, low‑carbon restoration strategies. This study investigates the feasibility of using offshore wind farms (OWFs), supported by battery energy storage systems (BESS), to deliver black start and system restoration services within the GB transmission network, with a particular focus on restoration pathways toward major load centres in central Scotland.

Two restoration configurations are assessed in line with the structure of the restoration services market in Great Britain. In the first configuration, a BESS rated approximately 500–650 MVA operates as the primary restoration provider, establishing voltage and frequency references following a blackout, while an OWF (400–1,100 MW) operates in grid‑following mode and contributes active and reactive power support. In the second configuration, an OWF of approximately 1 GW capacity operates in grid‑forming mode and establishes the system reference, with the BESS operating in grid‑following mode to provide fast active power support and assist with early‑stage stabilisation.

System performance is evaluated through detailed electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations representing sequential network energisation involving more than 60 switching events for initial pathways and up to 120 events for extended restoration routes, with demand increased progressively up to 100% of winter peak loading (≈2 GW). Compliance with the Security and Quality of Supply Standard (SQSS) and relevant Grid Code requirements is assessed using key metrics including voltage regulation, frequency stability, and load pick‑up capability.

The results demonstrate that both restoration configurations are technically viable and highlight the role that OWFs can play in future system restoration strategies when appropriately supported by BESS. Across all restoration stages, system frequency remained within 47.5–51.5 Hz, with no temporary overvoltage events exceeding 2.0 p.u.; observed RoCoF excursions were short‑lived (<0.1 s) and attributable to switching‑induced phase‑angle jumps rather than true frequency instability. Voltage performance remained stable during transformer and line energisation, with transient voltage steps clearing within milliseconds, while steady‑state undervoltages at high loading were confined to a limited set of weak nodes and primarily driven by constrained reactive power margins rather than dynamic stability limitations. Together, these findings illustrate how storage‑supported, converter‑based resources can enable low‑carbon black start and system restoration services, while also highlighting practical implementation considerations including control coordination, system strength, fault‑level provision, and restoration sequencing.