The UK plans to invest in energy storage power stations

What is the long duration energy storage Investment Support Scheme?

Long Duration Electricity Storage investment support scheme will boost investor confidence and unlock billions in funding for vital projects. The UK is a step closer to energy independence as the government launches a new scheme to help build energy storage infrastructure.

Could a new energy storage scheme help the UK achieve energy independence?

The UK is a step closer to energy independence as the government launches a new scheme to help build energy storage infrastructure. This could see the first significant long duration electricity storage (LDES) facilities in nearly 4 decades, helping to create back up renewable power and bolster the UK’s energy security.

Could long duration electricity storage be the UK's first energy storage facility?

This could see the first significant long duration electricity storage (LDES) facilities in nearly 4 decades, helping to create back up renewable power and bolster the UK’s energy security. These technologies work like giant batteries by storing renewable energy and releasing it onto the grid and into homes when needed.

Will SSE Renewables invest in the UK's largest natural battery?

When commissioned, it would become the UK’s largest natural battery, providing vital back up for renewable power. SSE Renewables hopes to make a final investment decision on the 1.3GW project pending successfully securing a cap and floor agreement in an appropriately designed scheme. Robert Bryce, Director of Hydro, SSE Renewables, said:

What if the UK has a strong energy storage industry?

If the UK establishes a strong domestic energy storage industry, it can export storage capacity and technologies. Storage would reduce the UK’s dependence on costly, polluting and uncertain fossil fuel imports. Great Britain currently has 2.8 gigawatts (GW) of LDES across four Pumped Storage Hydro (PSH) facilities in Scotland and Wales.

What is the biggest battery storage project in the UK?

The 1,400MW (3,100MWh) project will be the largest battery storage project in the UK, and one of the largest in Europe. The project was approved by Doncaster Council on 28 January 2025 and will help strengthen the local economy by creating jobs during the construction and operation of the facility.