Article

The UK requires an additional 1.2GW of long duration energy storage (LDES) to meet its Clean Power 2030 target, with a further 15GW needed by 2050. Current reliance on lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is facing challenges like safety risks and limited lifespan.

A government cap and floor scheme aims to support LDES technologies, which include pumped storage hydro (PSH), compressed air energy storage (CAES), liquid air energy storage (LAES), and vanadium flow batteries (VFBs). The world's first full LAES plant is under construction in Manchester, set to start operations in 2026. VFBs are gaining attention for their scalability and safety.