About 453MW of additional storage projects, mainly battery-based, are planned or are in development, apart from the 200MW of enhanced frequency response contracted by the National Grid in September.
REA also noted that storage projects in ‘multiple gigawatts’ have been proposed but need better policy framework to move forward.
The number of standalone grid-connected projects is 35, ranging from lithium-ion batteries to pumped hydro, and there are also about 1,500 residential storage deployments.
REA said around 1.2GW of extra capacity bid in the Enhanced Frequency Response auction but failed to win a contact, which, according to analysts, is an indication that the storage industry has matured quickly and is ready to deliver.
The report also mentioned that there are now double-digit GW of storage projects applications lying around, but these projects might not be taken up as they may not have planning and grid permissions. To unlock this potential, a change in framework policy is required.
REA policy & external affairs head James Court said: “Storage is already a reality for the UK and right now there’s an opportunity to cement us as a global centre for investment, deployment, and research.
“Many technologies have advanced quickly and are now commercial, as such the storage industry is not seeking a direct subsidy. Storage is a critical technology for the decentralisation of the UK’s energy system and will support long-term renewables deployment.
“Policy is the single greatest barrier to the industry’s growth and reform is needed. We welcome the supportive comments made by Secretary of State Greg Clark at the Conservative Party Conference and look forward to seeing what actions he will take to support the industry’s growth.”
