Lithium-ion battery storage systems use rechargeable batteries to store energy generated by solar panels, wind farms or supplied by the National Grid, to then make it available by storing energy during periods of low use and putting it back into the network once the demand spikes. For example, battery storage complements solar installations and enables them to provide power during the night or on a cloudy day.
As the country moves towards widespread use of renewable technologies, which generate electricity intermittently and inflexibly, battery storage is fast becoming an essential part of the UK’s energy infrastructure, safeguarding against black outs and offering greater efficiency across the network.
Ultimately, a grid that can capitalise on excess generation by storing it, and a grid that is able to deploy the energy at times of insufficient generation, is critical to a reliable and sustainable system.