UK unveils £246m investment in battery technology
Generation rules to be relaxed to allow electricity storage, resale by consumers
The UK government on Monday unveiled plans to encourage consumers to use electricity stored in batteries that could save up £40bn.
Under the plan, households would be able to access the electricity grid and sell back excess energy generated by solar panels. They would also be able to run appliances from their own batteries.
The government is amending existing rules to allow for household power generation and sale.
Business Secretary Greg Clark launched the first stage of a £246m programme to boost battery technology, including a £45m competition to establish a centre for battery research.
"A smarter energy system will create new businesses and high-skilled jobs, while making sure our infrastructure is able to cope with demand," he said.
The government said that enabling suppliers to offer lower tariffs and making it easier for firms to develop smart appliances and gadgets would help consumers "use energy when it is cheapest or get rewarded for returning it to the grid when it is needed".
Upgrading our energy systems is vital if we are to have clean, affordable and secure supply for the long-term and meet our targets for reducing carbon emissions.
This plan is a clear step forward, and was one of the 12 key infrastructure decisions we said needed to be made as a matter of urgency. I’m particularly pleased that many of the 29 points listed today directly follow recommendations in our Smart Power report.
Our study demonstrated the revolution our energy sector is going through, and the real benefits we can get from that in terms of greater efficiency, flexibility and value for money for customers. The measures announced today will lead to exciting innovations in the industry to help make that happen.