The UK has wasted more than 1,300 GWh of wind since the start of the energy crisis in September 2021, due to the lack of energy storage capacity.
Energy storage developer Highview Power, suggests that as a result of the lack of an efficient battery capacity, the UK spent more money turning off wind farms and using gas as a backup, at a cost of more than £390 million since September 2021.
The developer estimates that the wasted wind energy was enough to power half a million homes a day and the lack of long-duration energy storage (LDES) capabilities could be an obstacle to the UK's journey toward cutting dependence on gas and strengthening its energy security.
They predict that type of battery can reduce UK's gas usage by 10 megatonnes in 2035, and save the grid around £2 billion a year.
Rupert Pearce, CEO of Highview Power, said: "Our analysis shows that LDES is a critical component of the UK’s energy security and self-sufficiency. The YouGov findings show that a majority of voters support Government investment in LDES, which would underpin an efficient transition to renewables, reducing our dependency on gas. Simply put, there is no transition to net zero without LDES".
