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The government has launched a £28 million funding challenge to develop energy storage technologies that are capable of supplying electricity for more than 100 hours.
The Ultra-Long Duration Energy Storage (Ultra-LDES) Challenge, backed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will support projects including advanced batteries and underground hydrogen storage.
The aim is to store surplus electricity from renewable sources such as wind and solar and release it when generation is low. The government says this could reduce reliance on gas-fired power generation and improve energy security.
Energy Minister, Michael Shanks, said: “Homegrown clean energy is our route to more affordable bills and energy security and storing it for when we need it most is critical.
“By backing new cutting-edge battery technology and hydrogen storage with this £28 million grant, we will store more clean power, reduce reliance on expensive gas generation and deliver a more secure energy system.”
UKRI has also launched a £3 million competition for studies into electrochemical ultra-long duration storage technologies.
The funding comes as Ofgem consults on plans to support 16 long-duration electricity storage projects, including new pumped storage hydropower schemes.
The government said improved energy storage could help protect consumers from volatile wholesale gas prices while supporting the transition to a cleaner electricity system.
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