Good practice principles for grid-scale battery storage

Abstract

This report provides an evidence base to inform Scottish policy in relation to the role that grid-scale battery storage could play in providing a resilient, affordable electricity network. In line with Scotland’s Energy Strategy and Net Zero emission targets, the research considers the period to 2030 and 2045. It reviews current practice and experience, and current expectations for further developments. Grid-scale battery storage is likely to be an important part of the evolution of the electricity system in the UK, including in Scotland, in the period to 2045. This is driven by several factors, in particular, the growth of variable renewables (wind, solar) and decarbonisation by electrification of heat supply and transport. This will be affected by further reductions in battery system costs and evolution of markets which reflect the value of services provided by energy storage. However, there are competitors for providing these services: principally demand-side management including EV charging, grid reinforcement, interconnectors to other systems, and flexible generation such as hydro or pumped storage.