Twelve gigawatts of storage is a big number. Let us get our minds around it first. One gigawatt is 4.6 million solar panels, 500 utility-size turbines, 100 million led bulbs, or the power of 1.3 million horses galloping. The UK Renewable Energy Association combined with a non-partisan committee of politicians is to sketch out the dream.
Is Twelve Gigawatts of Storage Feasible
Britain currently has 60 megawatts storage. However, that is a tiny 0.06 gigawatts, so the country has a long way to go to twelve gigawatts of storage.
Britain is approaching Brexit. Importing electricity under the channel from France and the Netherlands could therefore become more expensive in the future.
Thus this adds more urgency into the task. If the political will is there, then the twelve gigawatts are possible. Since the non-partisan plan sees three new gigawatts flowing in from solar, two from wind, and one from hybrid schemes. Eight new gigawatts are already on the cards. But how will Britain achieve the twelve?
The Secret Could be Flexibility of Supply
The Energy Regulator allows large utilities to compete to supply the national UK grid. The UK Energy Networks Association, representing large operators has now agreed to more flexibility.
This relaxation will allow local businesses and communities to enter the power generation business with green energy supplies.
The country wants to become the world leader in energy storage and research. But, to achieve this goal it has to prove its vision works at home first. After it exits the European Union and winds the old coal power stations down, it may rely on the success if this initiative to keep the lights burning.
The twelve gigawatts of storage could go down in history as one of the smartest things Britain ever did. Necessity is the mother of invention and the need is certainly there.
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