Tuesday 30 May 2017

National Grid charges ahead with energy storage group

National Grid has announced the creation of a new dedicated Storage Working Group.

It will provide those involved in storage with a platform to hear the latest industry developments from organisations such as the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Ofgem and the grid operator.

The working group also offers an opportunity for the community to share its concerns or questions on storage directly with National Grid.

It is part of its efforts to strengthen its commitment to the UK's energy storage sector.

It sits within National Grid's expanded Power Responsive programme, which was created in 2015 to boost participation in demand side response (DSR). It has since been broadened to represent wider demand flexibility, which includes a focus on energy storage.

DSR is the term for services that incentivise energy users to turn up, turn down or shift their electricity use in real-time to keep the nation’s energy system balanced.

The grid operator states: “Energy and battery storage are particularly valuable because they offer the potential for incredibly rapid response. In the event of volatility on the system, for example, the technology can release power to the grid in less than a second.”

The first two meetings have already taken place, with more expected to follow this year.

National Grid has just run the tender for its Demand Turn Up Fixed Service this year, however there is still an opportunity for businesses to tender in for the Flexible Service, which runs throughout the summer of 2017.