The UK is in the process of a transformational change to its power system, which will rely largely on renewable energy, and be delivered through the Clean Power 2030 mission. A suite of storage and flexibility options need to be implemented to ensure that this future system is reliable and resilient, especially for times of low renewable energy generation. Understanding which options are viable by 2030/2035 is a crucial policy task that requires a comprehensive evidence review.
To assist with that task, the UKRI commissioned the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) (University of Strathclyde, Imperial College, Cardiff University, and University of Leeds) and the Energy Systems Catapult to deliver a project under the Clean Energy Superpower Mission (CESM) R&D Missions Accelerator Programme (RDMAP). The Impact to Action Accelerator project reviewed evidence on long duration electricity storage and low carbon dispatchable power that can be delivered by 2030/2035.
The project carried out rapid evidence assessment of international literature on LDES and LCDP, expert elicitation, and whole system modelling. The analysis presented options for innovation funding on technologies that can be prioritised for delivery by 2030/2035.
The project was guided by two research questions: