What is a battery energy storage system?

As renewable capacity is added to the grid, the need to store and flexibly manage electricity grows with it. This is where the crucial role of battery energy storage systems (BESS) come into play, storing and releasing energy for when it’s needed most. We look at what’s happening with the growth of BESS in the UK.

How many GW of prequalified battery energy storage systems are there?

Out of 6.9 GW of prequalified battery energy storage systems (BESS), equal to 1.9 GW derated capacity, about 1.8 GW of derated BESS secured 15-year contracts in the UK’s T-4 auction – nearly double last year’s volume. Just a week earlier, the T-1 auction also set a record for BESS procurement. From ESS News

How much battery storage capacity does the UK have?

The UK’s total battery storage project pipeline currently contains a total of 127GW of capacity. Figure 1 demonstrates the amount of capacity at each development stage as a proportion of the total pipeline. 8% of the capacity pipeline in the UK is operational or under construction, with 31% approved and yet to begin construction.

Is the battery storage pipeline growing in the UK?

This report will be launched to coincide with Clean Power Grid Conference 2025, 1 May 2025 at the IET, London. Overall though, the breakdown of the battery storage pipeline in the UK indicates a position of growth, with a large proportion of the pipeline capacity in early development, in planning and consented stages.

What are the benefits of battery storage?

Effective use of battery storage will also provide energy system cost savings and benefits for businesses and consumers by enabling energy that is produced at times of high generation be stored and used during peak demand times.

Which country has the most battery storage in the UK?

England continues to dominate the UK in terms of battery storage although Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are showing signs of becoming more involved year-on-year. How can I access this data?