Knowledge : Energy Storage
Trailblazing storage project leads the way to low-carbon future
A trial of the largest grid-scale battery in Britain has proved it can potentially transform the energy grid and play a major role in the transition towards a low-carbon economy . The ‘ big battery ’, designed and run by UK Power Networks and based in Leighton Buzzard , Bedfordshire , stores energy when demand is low and releases it at peak times . The Smarter Network Storage ( SNS ) facility is the first grid-scale battery storage project in the UK and the only one of its kind currently operating on the energy network . It has proved for the first time that energy storage has the potential to be both technically and commercially viable . The two-year trial of the 6MW / 10MWh “ big battery ” – which is the size of three tennis courts and can store enough electricity to power 6,000 homes for 1.5 hours at peak times . Grid-scale energy storage has a key role to play in a rapidly-changing energy landscape . It can support low-carbon generation by storing energy generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar and releasing it onto the grid when it is needed by consumers . Suleman Alli , Director of Safety , Strategy and Support Services at UK Power Networks , said the project has delivered insight for the whole industry at a crucial moment in its evolution . Mr Alli said : “ As we move towards a low carbon , decentralized , digital energy system , all eyes are on the role of storage – especially batteries – in Britain ’ s electricity network . We believe that grid-scale storage has a huge role to play in addressing the challenges the industry faces . “ The trial has drawn attention to the fact that the UK ’ s regulatory framework needs to evolve to help exploit its full potential . For example , energy storage currently incurs a double carbon levy – both when it stores energy and when it releases it .” The project concluded grid-scale energy storage could be commercially viable as battery costs continue to fall and revenue streams become accessible .
Top : The ‘ big battery ’ trial at UK Power Networks . Below : The company ’ s test facility at Leighton Buzzard , Bedfordshire
The recently published Government Smart Flexible Energy System consultation recognises that storage has a key role to play in the country ’ s future energy supply and makes reference to the issues the trial highlighted . The Smarter Network Storage project was funded by £ 13.2million from the Low
Carbon Networks Fund , administered by Ofgem , £ 4million from UK Power Networks and £ 1.2million from other businesses partners and academic institutions . UK Power Networks will continue to operate the battery in Leighton Buzzard , helping to meet the continuing demands for electricity in the Bedfordshire town .
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