Batteries play essential role for grid stabilisation

The essential role that batteries play for stabilising power grids was revealed for all to see last week as the UK faced nation-wide power cuts, as reported by Energy Storage News.

The UK’s transmission grid frequency was affected as two generators became disconnected from the power system. The National Grid called on battery storage to make up the 2GW shortfall in demand, and then balance the grid by removing power once the frequency had been established.

The event has led to calls for the National Grid, local grid companies and battery storage operators to work more closely together in the future to prevent power cuts.

As the demand for renewable energy continues to increase, batteries will play an increasingly important role as a storage technology to facilitate the reliable and flexible generation of electricity. Renewable sources are naturally hampered by intermittency, meaning the need for storage capability is vital - the National Grid estimate 30GW of installed capacity is required by 2050.

Lead batteries, a reliable and safe energy storage technology, are already playing their part across the UK and Europe for frequency regulation and grid stabilising energy storage purposes as shown in CBI’s interactive map. Combined with a golden sustainability record of 99% recycling in Europe, lead battery technology is available at the mass-market scale to support and protect electricity grids from power outages.