Ofgem has confirmed that 77 long duration electricity storage projects will proceed to the final assessment stage of its new cap-and-floor support scheme.
The programme is designed to unlock multi-billion-pound investment in technologies that can store surplus renewable power and release it when demand rises, reducing the need to curtail wind generation or switch on gas plants.
Applications advancing include a range of storage solutions such as lithium-ion and flow batteries, as well as pumped hydro. The regulator said the diversity of projects reflects the need for a mix of technologies to deliver a secure, efficient and flexible power system.
Beatrice Filkin, director of major projects infrastructure at Ofgem, said: “Renewable power is the key to seizing control of our own energy system and end the costly reliance on the turbulent wholesale gas market, so we don’t want to see a single watt go to waste. Through Ofgem’s cap and floor process we are beginning to identify the projects that we think are best placed to capture and make the most of our precious natural resources.”
Energy minister Michael Shanks added: “This is another huge step forward in reversing the legacy that has seen no new long duration storage built for 40 years – a technology that will see Britain take back control of its energy supply and protect billpayers for good.”
Ofgem launched the scheme in April. From 171 initial applications, 77 remain in contention. Successful projects will be announced in summer 2026 following detailed final assessments.