The plan sets out the steps that the Government will take to ensure the UK is more energy independent, secure, and resilient.184 Battery manufacturing is an energy intensive activity that would face steep industrial electricity prices without Government support.
The government’s vision is for the UK to continue to grow a thriving battery innovation ecosystem and become a world leader in sustainable design, manufacture, and use. The strategy was developed with the UK battery strategy taskforce, drawing on the call for evidence and engagement with businesses and stakeholders.
The strategy sets out the Government’s activity to support our objectives and sets a framework for our future work with industry to support the sector. Given the high forecast demand for batteries over the coming years, businesses are investing significantly in the UK battery supply chain.
The Call for Evidence205 highlighted how sustainability must be embedded in all corners of the UK battery industry. This will require a cross-Government effort, working with industry, to enable the development of a thriving and sustainable sector supported by pro-growth regulation.
DEFRA is planning to bring battery energy storage systems (BESS) into the environmental permitting regime. However, some operators may be unaware that they may be subject to it already, putting themselves in potential legal jeopardy.
The UK will be a world leader in sustainable battery design and manufacture, underpinned by a thriving battery innovation ecosystem. Batteries represent one of the highest growth clean energy sectors1 and the UK is well placed to reap the rewards thanks to its comparative advantage in research and advanced manufacturing.