New energy storage industry in the uk

How is the UK's solar energy and battery storage sector changing?

The UK’s solar energy and battery storage sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, bolstered by ambitious climate targets and supportive policies. Solar photovoltaics (PV) capacity has rebounded since the end of feed-in tariffs, while energy storage is scaling up to enhance grid reliability.

How has energy storage policy changed over the years?

Policy has evolved to support energy storage as well. In a notable 2020 reform, the government removed a major planning hurdle by allowing battery projects over 50 MW to bypass thenational planning regime, streamlinin g approvals for large-scale storage. This change unlocked the development of some of Europe’s biggest batteries on the UK grid.

How will UK energy storage capacity grow in 2022?

Favorable government policies, the declining price of solar modules and wind turbines, and agreements to reduce the increasing carbon footprint are a few prominent factors supporting the capacity growth in the country. In November 2022, the UK government announced to provide a funding of EUR 32.9 million to energy storage projects.

What is the future of energy storage?

Boom in energy storage: The energy storage segment is experiencing even more dramatic growth prospects. Operational battery storage capacity has surged past 4–5 GW in 2024, compared to virtually nothing a few years ago.

Is the UK's solar and energy storage sector at an inflection point?

In conclusion, the UK’s solar and energy storage sector finds itself at an inflection point – bolstered by supportive policy, buoyant investment, and rapid tech improvements, yet challenged by infrastructure bottlenecks and the practicalities of an unprecedented build-out.

Can the UK become a leader in energy storage?

Energy storage, meanwhile, has opportunities beyond just lithium batteries – the UK can become a leader in emerging storage tech such as flow batteries, hydrogen storage, and gravity-based systems (several prototypes are being trialled, supported by government innovation grants).