Government urged to allow smaller batteries on to grid

Produced by Belfast-based energy optimisation firm Joulen, the Better Battery Strategy claims that smarter integration of smaller battery systems would speed up the energy transition as well as save customers and businesses significant sums of money. The report says that better use of small-scale renewable energy and storage systems could be earning UK businesses £75,000 and households £375 of additional income every year, helping cutting domestic bills by as much as 65 per cent.

 “Batteries are an essential technology in the decarbonisation of the grid,” said Chris Doherty, managing director at Joulen. “By not allowing every battery to participate in the market and not directing existing renewable capacity in the most efficient way, clean energy and the investment behind it is being wasted. Our data shows that, with optimised small-scale battery and renewable systems on business premises and households in every corner of the UK, we can get closer, sooner, to a clean energy system.  

“By maximising the value of every one of these batteries through data, we can spread the benefits to small businesses and households, bringing down costs and optimising our grid in the process. The government must implement a Better Battery Strategy now, to democratise and secure our clean energy future.”   

Joulen claims the current energy storage market in the UK is designed to get grid-scale projects online, which limits access. The company is urging the government to adopt Virtual Power Plant (VPP) technology which integrates multiple power sources to provide grid services. Joulen says this would allow UK households and businesses to participate in energy markets, reducing bills and incentivising further uptake.

Its analysis revealed that if just 0.1 per cent of UK businesses (6,900 businesses) invested in 1 MW batteries with local on-site renewable generation, this would be the equivalent of more power than Hinkley Point C, as well as 130 standard grid-scale battery sites. 

“Democratising access to everyone can accelerate the shift to clean energy, reduce the cost of the transition, and spread the benefits to small businesses and households,” said Doherty.

“Our data shows that, with small-scale battery and renewable systems on business premises and households in every corner of the UK, we can get closer, sooner, to our clean energy goals.”