Government Commitment To Energy Storage "˜a Step In The Right Direction', Says Anesco

Anesco, provider of utility-scale energy storage solutions, has welcomed government plans for a more flexible energy system and the news that the Government is to invest £246m in the advancement of battery storage technology.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Ofgem have this week announced plans for a major shakeup of the UK's energy system.
A key focus will be to remove barriers to the use of battery storage, for example by simplifying the planning and grid connection process. It will also be made clearer which renewable generators can be co-located with retrofit battery storage systems without impacting on subsidy-backed revenue streams currently in place.

Anesco, based in Reading, installed the country's first utility-scale battery storage unit back in September 2014 and now has 28 operational energy storage sites totalling 29MW. The company's portfolio is expected to exceed 185MW by the end of 2018.

According to Steve Shine OBE, executive chairman of Anesco, the technology is a vital and much underestimated component in the energy mix of the future.
He commented: "We're delighted the government is starting to recognise the potential of battery storage. As well as aiding grid stability, energy storage can help maximise the use of renewable power being generated, while breeding a more resilient local grid.

"The challenge has always been how to get energy storage to work alongside existing renewables schemes, with legislation drafted long before the technology was even on the table. By addressing these issues, removing barriers to its deployment and investing in new innovations in this space, the potential of the technology - both in the long and short term "“ has really been cemented. These steps will open the door to many more opportunities for the sector."