In the race to decarbonize the UK’s power system by 2035, a groundbreaking study led by Liliana E. Calderon Jerez from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh has shed new light on the crucial role of energy storage technologies and transmission lines. Published in the journal Energies, the research provides a detailed technical and economic analysis that could reshape the future of the UK’s energy landscape.
The UK’s ambitious net-zero strategy aims to fully decarbonize the power system by 2035, a goal that comes with significant challenges. The country is expected to see a 40–60% increase in electricity demand due to the growing electrification of transport and heating sectors. This surge in demand, coupled with the need to integrate large shares of intermittent renewable energy, requires innovative solutions to balance the power system effectively.
Calderon Jerez’s study, conducted using the cost-optimizing energy system modelling framework REMix, developed by the German Aerospace Center, reveals that achieving the lowest system cost with a 73% share of electricity generated by renewable energy sources is feasible. However, this feat hinges on flexible planning rules in England and Wales that allow the construction of 53 GW of onshore wind capacity. This flexibility would enable the UK to become a net electricity exporter, assuming an electricity trading market with neighboring countries.
“Flexibility in planning rules is crucial for the UK to harness the full potential of renewable energy,” Calderon Jerez emphasized. “By allowing the development of onshore wind projects, we can significantly reduce the reliance on conventional power plants and achieve a more sustainable energy mix.”
The study highlights the importance of energy storage technologies in balancing the power system. Depending on the scenario, 2.4–11.8 TWh of energy storage supplies an average of 11% of the electricity feed-in. Underground hydrogen storage represents more than 80% of that total capacity, playing a pivotal role in capturing excess generation from wind power. In terms of storage converter capacity, the optimal mix ranges from 32 to 34 GW of lithium-ion batteries, 13 to 22 GW of adiabatic compressed air energy storage, 4 to 24 GW of underground hydrogen storage, and 6 GW of pumped hydro.
Decarbonizing the UK power system by 2035 is estimated to cost $37–56 billion USD, with energy storage accounting for 38% of the total system cost. Transmission lines supply 10–17% of the total electricity feed-in, demonstrating that, when coupled with energy storage, it is possible to reduce the installed capacity of conventional power plants by increasing the utilization of remote renewable generation assets and avoiding curtailment during peak generation times.
The research underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates energy storage, transmission lines, and flexible planning rules. This strategy not only supports the UK’s decarbonization goals but also opens up new commercial opportunities for the energy sector. By becoming a net electricity exporter, the UK can capitalize on electricity trading markets, generating additional revenue and strengthening its position in the global energy landscape.
The findings of this study have far-reaching implications for the energy sector. They highlight the need for investment in energy storage technologies and transmission infrastructure, as well as the importance of policy flexibility to support renewable energy development. As the UK moves towards a decarbonized future, these insights will be instrumental in shaping the strategies and investments of energy companies, policymakers, and stakeholders.
The study also emphasizes the role of technology maturity in the successful integration of energy storage systems. While some technologies, such as pumped hydro and compressed air energy storage, are well-established, others like adiabatic compressed air energy storage and hydrogen underground storage are still in development or demonstration phases. This technological diversity presents both opportunities and challenges for the energy sector, requiring a balanced approach that leverages the strengths of each technology.
As the UK strives to meet its net-zero targets, the insights from Calderon Jerez’s research will be invaluable. By providing a detailed analysis of the technical and economic aspects of energy storage and transmission, the study offers a roadmap for achieving a sustainable and cost-effective energy system. The commercial impacts of this research are significant, paving the way for new investments, innovations, and collaborations in the energy sector.
The study published in Energies, which translates to Energies in English, marks a significant step forward in the quest for a decarbonized future. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the findings of this research will guide the development of strategies and technologies that support the UK’s ambitious climate goals. The future of energy in the UK is bright, and with the right investments and policies, the country can lead the way in creating a sustainable and resilient power system.
