UK Power Networks (UKPN) has completed a two-year trial of a battery storage facility in Leighton Buzzard saying the demonstration project proves the technology is viable.
The distribution network operator said the Smarter Netwok Storage (SNS) project featuring 6MW/10MWh Samsung SDI lithium-ion batteries proved storage can “potentially transform the energy grid and play a major role in the transition towards a low-carbon economy”.
UKPN director of safety, strategy and support services Suleman Alli said the UK’s largest operational battery storage project showed grid-scale energy storage could be commercially viable as battery costs continue to fall and revenue streams become accessible.
“The trial has drawn attention to the fact that the UK’s regulatory framework needs to evolve to help exploit its full potential.
“For example, energy storage currently incurs a double carbon levy – both when it stores energy and when it releases it.”
The UK government’s recently published smart power call for evidence recognises that storage has a key role to play in the country’s future energy supply and makes reference to the issues the trial highlighted, he added.
The SNS project was funded by £13.2m from the Low Carbon Networks Fund, administered by Ofgem, £4m from UK Power Networks and £1.2m from other business partners and academic institutions.
UKPN will continue to operate the battery storage system.
Image: Former Energy Secretary Amber Rudd tours SNS (UK Power Networks)
