UK ‘must remove storage barriers’

The UK government should remove all barriers to deployment of energy storage, according to the Solar Trade Association (STA).

The STA made the call in its response to Ofgem’s call for evidence for a smart, flexible energy system.

It said of particular importance is the lack of a regulatory definition for storage, which leads to problems in treatment under current market rules, such as double charging on energy consumption levies.

STA would also like stronger standards to support consumer confidence at the domestic level.

“It is essential that there are minimum standards to ensure storage systems are installed with good components and in a way that is safe and effective,” it said.

STA added that Ofgem’s current review of the charges paid for use of the distribution network is dampening the price signals that storage developers depend upon to profitably shift energy during times of high demand.

“This will reduce the business case for providers of new flexible solutions such as storage, to the benefit of large, centralised generators,” the association said.

Research by analysts Aurora Energy Research, commissioned by the STA, showed storage could reduce integration costs for solar and deliver a net economic benefit, it added.

STA head of external affairs Leonie Greene said: “Storage has a multiplier effect for renewable energy: whether it’s helping a homeowner get the most efficient use of their solar panels, or a solar farm match its output with demand, storage will benefit the whole system.”

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