UK power storage needs could hit 500GW by 2050
Battery storage key to smooth out demand peaks as electrification at least doubles demand
The UK’s electricity network by 2050 could require 200-500GW of storage capacity as annual demand in a net-zero energy system doubles from current levels to around 600TWh a year, according to independent think tank Energy Systems Catapult. Of the total storage needs, about 50GW would need to be in the form of batteries, with hot water tanks, gas storage, and other technologies providing the remainder, according to Catapult’s chairman Nick Winser, a former director and UK CEO of National Grid. Under this 2050 scenario, battery capacity would be nearly equivalent to the current total installed generation capacity on the UK system of about 80GW. 600 TWh – projected UK electricity demand i
Also in this section
18 February 2025
Demand for CCS to abate new gas-fired plants is rising as datacentres seek low-carbon power, Frederik Majkut, SVP of industrial decarbonisation, tells Carbon Economist
11 February 2025
Rising prices have added to concerns over CBAM impact on the competitiveness of EU manufacturing
7 February 2025
Norwegian energy company slashes spending on low-carbon sectors as transition decelerates
30 January 2025
The UAE’s oil and gas company puts its faith in technologies including CCS and AI to deliver its emission-reduction goals
