The UK’s offshore wind sector is on a roll, but a recent RenewableUK report warns that the country is missing out on a golden opportunity to maximize its clean energy potential. The crux of the issue? Surplus wind power is going to waste because the grid can’t handle it all at once. The solution, according to the report, lies in integrating battery storage and green hydrogen production with offshore wind farms.
Battery storage offers a flexible solution for both short and long-term energy management. It can soak up excess power when the wind is blowing strongly and feed it back into the grid when demand is high. Green hydrogen, produced by using surplus wind energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, can be stored for months and used to generate electricity or heat, or as a fuel for transport. This not only boosts energy security but also cuts reliance on fossil fuels.
The problem? Currently, offshore wind farms aren’t set up to fully exploit these solutions. Just 3MW of battery storage is co-located with UK offshore wind, with a mere 600MW approved but yet to be built. Several developers are eyeing green hydrogen, but policy barriers are slowing progress. The report, “Offshore Wind Co-Location: Integrating Offshore Wind with Flexibility,” lays out ten key policy recommendations to grease the wheels for developers.
The report calls for scrapping restrictive rules that prevent offshore transmission owners from adding battery and hydrogen projects. It also suggests reforming Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions to support co-location, including changes to metering and alignment with the Hydrogen Production Business Model. Speeding up planning processes by allowing developers to seek consent for offshore wind and energy storage in one go is also recommended. Finally, building a pipeline network to move green hydrogen from offshore production sites to where it’s needed is highlighted.
The UK’s offshore wind sector is expanding rapidly, and RenewableUK argues that action is needed now to ensure surplus power is put to good use. By integrating green hydrogen production, the UK could transform how clean energy is stored and used, cutting waste and accelerating the shift to a zero-carbon economy. But this will require a significant policy shift. The government must act swiftly to remove barriers and create a supportive regulatory environment.
The report’s recommendations, if implemented, could reshape the UK’s energy landscape. They could spark a wave of investment in energy storage and green hydrogen, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. Moreover, they could position the UK as a global leader in clean energy innovation. But the ball is in the government’s court. It needs to act decisively and swiftly to capitalize on this opportunity.
The UK’s offshore wind sector is booming, but it’s time to think bigger. It’s time to think about how we can store and use that clean energy more effectively. It’s time to integrate battery storage and green hydrogen production with offshore wind farms. It’s time to create a more flexible, more secure, and more sustainable energy system. And it’s time for the government to step up and make it happen.
