STORY
A £28 million Government backed programme has been launched to develop technologies capable of storing clean energy for more than 100 hours. The Ultra Long Duration Energy Storage Challenge will provide grants for projects including advanced battery technologies and underground hydrogen storage, with the aim of allowing renewable electricity to be stored when supply exceeds demand and released when it is needed.
UK Research and Innovation will administer the funding, with applicants expected to develop systems capable of supplying electricity for at least 100 hours, equivalent to more than four days. The programme will focus on new electrochemical storage technologies which are not yet commercialised at scale and on systems which can store hydrogen underground before releasing it for use when required. An initial competition will make up to £3 million available for project development studies.
The Government said improved storage could reduce reliance on gas fired generation during periods when wind and solar output is low. It estimates that underground hydrogen storage has the potential to reduce total energy system costs by between £14 billion and £50 billion between 2035 and 2050. The announcement completes the rollout of £102 million of Clean Energy Challenges, which also include a £74 million programme focused on making electricity demand more flexible.