The UK has almost 7GW of energy storage projects currently under development, up from only 2MW in 2012, according to data from RenewableUK.
A total of 6874MW of battery plants have now been submitted for planning approval in the country, data from a new R-UK database launched today showed.
Some 3.3GW of storage capacity – including hydro projects – is now operational in the UK and a further 5.4.GW has planning consent, of which 4.8GW is battery storage.
Average capacity for new battery storage projects has increased to 27MW today from 10MW in 2016, and more than 300 UK-based businesses are operating in the sector, R-UK said.
The database will allow R-UK members to access information on nearly 400 UK energy storage projects, showing where operational projects are located on an interactive map.
It also highlights planned schemes and facilities under construction, including those sited alongside solar, wind and tidal energy projects.
R-UK executive director Emma Pinchbeck said: “The energy sector is breaking new ground by making an unprecedented transition to a clean, flexible system which will power our country in the future. Energy storage is already playing a key part in that, from small local projects to grid-scale schemes.
“We’re decentralising the way the power system works and, at our conference, we’ll hear how an increased share of wind, solar and storage on the grid could transform UK energy markets.”
Solar Trade Association chief executive Chris Hewett said: “Energy storage has already begun to unlock the full potential of wind and solar energy, and it’s happening faster than almost anyone anticipated.
“It’s clear that storage will be the foundation of a smart, flexible and decarbonised future energy system, and this conference is an excellent opportunity to hear straight from the experts and business leaders who are working to make that future a reality.”