A new era for renewable power and energy security begins today (Tuesday 8 April) as Ofgem launches a new cap and floor investment support scheme, unlocking billions in funding to build major Long Duration Electricity Storage projects for the first time in 40 years.
What is the UK's energy storage Investment Support Scheme?
Credit: David Pimborough / Shutterstock. The government of the UK has launched a new investment support scheme aimed at bolstering the country's energy storage infrastructure. The initiative aims to encourage the development of long-duration energy storage (LDES) facilities, which have not seen significant investment in nearly four decades.
What if the UK has a strong energy storage industry?
If the UK establishes a strong domestic energy storage industry, it can export storage capacity and technologies. Storage would reduce the UK's dependence on costly, polluting and uncertain fossil fuel imports. Great Britain currently has 2.8 gigawatts (GW) of LDES across four Pumped Storage Hydro (PSH) facilities in Scotland and Wales.
Who are the UK energy storage companies?
TotalEnergies, Drax, New Energy Partnership and Queequeg Renewables all feature in the latest UK energy storage update. Battery storage units developed by UK firm Invinity Energy Systems. Image: DCT Media/STS Group
Why should we invest in battery storage?
In fact, it's predicted that our homes and businesses will need even more electricity. Demand is set to at least double by 2050 – as we electrify sectors like transportation and heat. The future of a decarbonised UK depends on a smarter and much more flexible grid. Investing in battery storage now is vital to support growth in this key sector.
What is a battery energy storage system?
As renewable capacity is added to the grid, the need to store and flexibly manage electricity grows with it. This is where the crucial role of battery energy storage systems (BESS) come into play, storing and releasing energy for when it's needed most. We look at what's happening with the growth of BESS in the UK.
Could LDEs save the energy system £24bn?
Other technologies, such as liquid air energy storage, compressed air energy storage and flow batteries, could also benefit from the scheme. Studies suggest that deploying 20GW of LDES could save the electricity system £24bn between 2025 and 2050, potentially reducing household energy bills as reliance on costly natural gas decreases.