What is a battery storage plant?

In short, battery storage plants, or battery energy storage systems (BESS), are a way to stockpile energy from renewable sources and release it when needed. When the wind blows and the sun shines turbines and solar panels may generate more energy than needed on a particular day.

Why are battery energy storage systems important?

Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) use batteries, for example lithium-ion batteries, to store electricity at times when supply is higher than demand. They can then later release electricity when it is needed. BESSs are therefore important for “the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy”.

How many GW of battery storage capacity are there in the world?

Strong growth occurred for utility-scale battery projects, behind-the-meter batteries, mini-grids and solar home systems for electricity access, adding a total of 42 GW of battery storage capacity globally.

Why is battery use growing in Africa?

Battery use is also growing in emerging market and developing economies outside China, including in Africa, where close to 400 million people gain access through decentralised solutions such as solar home systems and mini-grids with batteries in order to achieve universal access by 2030.

Will energy storage help a decarbonised power system?

Therefore, the government has said a decarbonised power system will need to be supported by technologies that can respond to fluctuations in supply and demand, including energy storage. The government expects demand for grid energy storage to rise to 10 gigawatt hours (GWh) by 2030 and 20 GWh by 2035.

Could huge battery storage plants become a common sight in the UK?

Huge battery storage plants could soon become a familiar sight across the UK, with hundreds of applications currently lodged with councils. In one corner of West Yorkshire locals are fighting plans to site two facilities within a mile of their homes.