UK: Cheaper farm energy with battery storage
According to James Court, Head of Policy and External Affairs at the Renewable Energy Association, around 2.5GW of subsidy-free solar and energy storage projects are set to be deployed in the UK over the next two years.
“If a farmer has already invested in renewable technologies, energy storage would add extra value to their onsite generation,” he says.
Historically, one of the drawbacks of renewable energy such as solar and wind, has been its production variability. However, battery technology could help to overcome these peaks and troughs.
“It also opens up a range of future diversification opportunities, such as the prospect of hosting charging stations on-farm for electric vehicles.”
He adds that the UK is likely to see a much more flexible energy market in the months ahead.
“Time of Use tariffs are currently under consultation, but will allow farms to use electricity when it’s cheapest to do so, with the right control system in place,” he says.
“Developments in lithium ion batteries have also reduced the size and cost of the technology. Leading to more feasible ‘behind the meter’ domestic storage and commercial-scale systems, which support existing grid infrastructure for wind and solar farms,” he says.
Mr Court will be presenting on day one of the Energy Now Expo, at the Telford International Centre on 7 to 8 February, an event dedicated to the growth of renewables within agricultural and rural communities.
“It’s been a busy year for energy storage on a policy framework level, which can be seen in the latest Government targets,” he says.
“The UK is currently one of the best places in the world for advancing this technology, and I believe that farmers will continue to be at the forefront of these developments.”
The Energy Now Expo is free to attend, and registration is now open online at www.energynowexpo.co.uk.