Exciting news for a greener future! 🚀 Ofgem has just announced that 77 new “super battery” projects are moving forward in the race to revolutionise energy storage. Imagine being able to store all that excess wind and solar power for when we really need it—no more wasting energy on those particularly sunny or windy days! 🌞💨
These innovative storage solutions, from lithium-ion batteries to pumped hydro and compressed air, aim to cut costs for consumers by reducing our reliance on expensive gas power. With the government’s support, these 77 projects, out of a whopping 171 applications, are now in the final assessment phase under a “cap and floor” scheme. This means they’ll have a guaranteed minimum revenue, but if they earn more than the maximum set, they’ll give money back to us, the bill payers!
Currently, Britain has 2.8 gigawatts of energy storage, and these new projects could add a massive 28.7 gigawatts of capacity! That’s a big leap towards a sustainable energy future, helping us transition to more eco-friendly technologies like electric vehicles and heat pumps. 🚗⚡️
Beatrice Filkin from Ofgem highlights that renewables are “the key” to controlling our energy system and reducing reliance on costly and volatile gas markets. The message is clear: by supercharging our energy storage capabilities, Britain is gearing up to take back control of its energy supply, ensuring a secure and cost-effective power system for the future.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks echoes this sentiment, emphasising that this shift will help power the country during peak demand times with low-cost, homegrown solar and wind power, steering us away from those pesky fossil fuel markets that drive up costs. 🌍💚
Stay tuned, as successful projects will be revealed by summer 2026. This is a thrilling step towards a cleaner, greener Britain! 🌱✨