Five energy storage projects in the UK will get a portion of nearly £32 million in government funding. In the second stage of the Longer Duration Energy Storage competition.

Five UK-based projects will receive over £32 million to develop technologies that can store energy, such as heat and electricity, or a low-carbon energy carrier, such as Hydrogen.

Changeable nature of renewable energy sources

Due to the changeable nature of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, energy can be generated when it is not required, such as during extended periods of strong wind. 

However, research in new energy storage technologies can store extra energy for use at a later time, so energy can be used rather than wasted, allowing us to rely even more on renewable generation than fossil fuels, enhancing the UK’s long-term energy plan. This expands on the goals outlined in the Energy Security Strategy earlier in the year to ensure a more flexible, efficient system by fostering flexibility with large-scale, long-term electricity storage to balance the system.

Minister of the Environment Graham Stuart stated: “Accelerating renewable energy sources is essential for enhancing our energy resilience. Energy storage enables us to get the full benefits of these renewables, enhancing efficiency and contributing to long-term cost savings.” This £32.9 million in government funding will enable green entrepreneurs across the UK to develop this technology, helping to create new jobs, promoting private investment, and protecting the energy security of the UK.

The money announced today follows the completion of the initial phase of the LODES competition, in which £2.7 million was given to 19 projects. This second phase provides additional financing to Phase 1’s most promising initiatives, allowing them to construct prototypes and demonstrators and bring their projects to reality.

The LODES competition provides government support to speed up the development and commercialization of innovative energy storage technologies, thereby supporting the UK’s transition to renewable energy while encouraging private investment and new green jobs, with an estimated 100 jobs supported by these projects.

One energy storage project that secured funding was StorTera Ltd, headquartered in Edinburgh, which will get £5.02 million to construct a prototype demonstrator of their sustainable, efficient, and highly energy-dense single-liquid flow battery (SLIQ) technology.

SLIQ Will Provide Grid Flexibility

SLIQ will provide grid flexibility by storing electricity that may be released when weather-dependent technologies, such as wind turbines and solar panels, experience periods of reduced energy production. Sunamp Ltd. will receive £9.25 million for a trial of its sophisticated thermal storage technology in 100 homes across the UK. They will expand their existing heat battery’s storage length and capacity and combine it with residential energy systems to combat periods of low renewable energy bearing. The University of Sheffield should receive £2.60 million for developing a prototype modular thermal energy storage system, allowing for optimum and flexible heat storage within dwellings, benefiting both the resident and the grid.

University To P

The prototype energy systems will be produced by Loughborough University and deployed at the University of Nottingham’s Creative Energy Homes campus to demonstrate the technology in occupied homes.

RheEnergise Ltd will receive £8.24 million to construct a High-Density Hydro® pumped energy storage system demonstrator near Plymouth. The method uses a mineral-rich fluid that is 2.5 times denser than water to generate energy from mild slopes without the need for steep dam walls or high mountains, as is the case with conventional hydropower. When the grid requires electricity, the fluid will be discharged down a hill through turbines to generate electricity.

The reaction of stakeholders Dr. Gavin Park, CEO of StorTera Ltd, stated: “Long-term energy storage is essential for a more sustainable future and increased use of renewable energy. This competition to advance the commercialization of the most creative technologies is an excellent effort, and StorTera is ecstatic to have been chosen to highlight the potential of our single liquid flow battery.”

Patrick Dupeyrat, director of EDF R&D in the United Kingdom, stated: “Hydrogen is a promising future solution for the UK’s energy industry. Following the barrage of this project, our demonstration technique will be a world first, allowing us to store Hydrogen with depleted uranium and provide grid flexibility.” “HyDUS, which ingeniously blends nuclear and Hydrogen, makes perfect sense for the net-zero future of the United Kingdom.”

Is HyDUS The UK’s Power Solution?

We are confident that HyDUS will be triumphant and ecstatic that the government has provided essential research funds for the initiative.”

Stephen Crosher, the chief executive officer of RheEnergise, stated: “Long Duration Energy Storage can significantly contribute to the UK and worldwide energy markets during the next decade. Long Duration Energy Storage is essential to achieving the energy transition and will increase the UK’s energy system’s resilience and security.”

“It will be vital to the efficient operation of the grid since it helps to provide base-load power from renewable sources while keeping costs down. Our storage method provides a remedy. The deal with BEIS is tremendously welcome and will speed up the commercial implementation of our High-Density Hydro storage technology in the UK and beyond.” “Additionally, we are pursuing a variety of project prospects in the UK, continental Europe, and Canada. Based on our experience in Devon and the government’s backing, we anticipate that our first 5MW grid-scale plant will be operational by 2026.”

Andrew Bissell, chief executive officer of Sunamp, stated: “We are ecstatic to have obtained this substantial financial grant, which is the result of the outstanding efforts of our product, materials, and engineering teams and those of our partners.

Funds to be used to replace fossil fuels

“The funds will be used to develop and test a first-of-its-kind thermal energy storage system in 100 homes to replace fossil fuels and accelerate the electrification of heat.”

EXTEND systems installed in residences will aid the UK in weathering lulls in renewable energy output, enable homeowners to reduce their carbon emissions, and take advantage of lower cost tariffs for elastic demand and involvement in grid-supporting actions.”
Rob Barthorpe, a professor at the University of Sheffield, stated: “Our current priority is to make this happen. We plan to effectively demonstrate these technologies in occupied dwellings and to collaborate with our industrial partners on scale-up and commercialization efforts to bring them to market as soon as possible. These technologies can play a vital role in maximizing renewable energy sources’ use and might greatly assist consumers during the present energy crisis.

“The British government has allocated £32.9 million to develop innovative energy storage technologies, such as heat and liquid flow batteries. Energy storage will be essential as the UK scales up secure, clean, and inexpensive renewable energy with innovative projects spearheaded by British innovators.” Developing energy storage will help unlock the full potential of domestic renewables, thereby enhancing the energy security of the UK.