Battery storage technology plays a crucial part in replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy, but it may also be the key to future energy security, according to experts.

What is battery storage?

Battery storage systems allow energy from renewable sources such as solar and wind to be stored and used when it is needed. Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in mobile phones and electric cars, are currently the dominant storage technology for large-scale plants to ensure a reliable supply of renewable energy.

Why is battery storage important?

Battery storage technology ensures homes and businesses are powered by renewable energy. It means power does not need to be drawn from the grid at peak time, and any extra energy produced and stored can be sold back to the grid. The UK has the largest capacity of offshore wind production in the world, but the grid cannot currently store all the energy produced, meaning some is lost. By investing in battery storage facilities, more renewable energy can be stored for later use, ensuring a more secure energy future.

Battery storage could also be key for the UK to achieve its net-zero carbon production goals. Fossil fuel fire plants have traditionally been used to manage National Grid peak demands, but battery energy storage facilities can replace a portion of these peaking power generators over time.

How do battery storage systems work?

These devices are significantly more complex than the batteries in your remote control. A battery storage system can be charged by electricity generated through renewable sources. The stored electricity can be sent directly to the grid and distributed accordingly, or private devices will directly power a home or business.

Storage of renewable energy requires low-cost technologies that have long lives, charging and discharging thousands of times, are safe and can store enough energy cost-effectively to match demand.

What are energy storage facilities increasing?

Last month, G7 countries were departing global targets to increase electricity storage capacity sixfold from 2022 to 2030, in response to energy security concerns. That includes the use of batteries, hydrogen, water or other solutions to storing electricity.

There are several battery storage facilities already established in the UK, with more approved, and even more with planning permission admitted.