Longer duration storage can support a future energy system with high proportions of renewable energy by providing flexible energy supply and demand, and increasing the resilience of energy networks.
Energy storage plays a crucial role in enabling the integration of renewable energy sources, managing grid stability, and ensuring a reliable and efficient energy supply. However, there are several challenges associated with energy storage technologies that need to be addressed for widespread adoption and improved performance.
Investing in research and development for better energy storage technologies is essential to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, reduce emissions, and create a more resilient energy system. Energy storage technologies will be crucial in building a safe energy future if the correct investments are made.
The UK’s energy system relies on the storage of fossil fuels to manage variations in supply and demand over varying timescales. As these are replaced to meet the net zero emissions target, new types of low-carbon, longer duration energy storage will be needed to provide secure energy supplies.
The future of energy storage is full of potential, with technological advancements making it faster and more efficient. Investing in research and development for better energy storage technologies is essential to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, reduce emissions, and create a more resilient energy system.
Deployment will also depend on ongoing developments in energy markets and a better understanding and communication of the risks. The Government will implement a policy on longer duration energy storage by 2024. Acknowledgements POSTnotes are based on literature reviews and interviews with a range of stakeholders and are externally peer reviewed.