Energy storage market presents new opportunities for farmers
Energy storage and‘ behind the meter’ optimisation are the new buzz words for farmers wanting to get the most from renewable energy initiatives as the industry matures, say experts.
| Energy
S torage is a big focus at the Energy Now Expo- the renewable energy event for farmers- that takes place next February 8 and 9, 2017. We hear from storage experts speaking at the event on current opportunities.“ There are still great opportunities in energy for farmers and landowners to invest in renewable energy, but now it’ s more about tailoring solutions to meet individual needs,” says Tom Beeley, renewable energy advisor from the CLA.
“ Due to massive global manufacturing economies of scale and technological innovations, the cost of battery storage is continually falling”
“ Interest in land rental from developers of large battery storage sites, to store energy and provide grid services has largely replaced interest from solar farm developers in the last six months with National Grids‘ enhanced frequency response’ auction and other capacity market mechanisms driving a lot of interest.
“ At the smaller scale, a range of technology providers have entered the market to offer‘ behind the meter’ storage at a domestic and commercial level, mostly for solar,” he says.
Falling energy storage equipment costs, and saturated grid capacity for export are rapidly accelerating the‘ behind the meter’ storage market, says James Hoare, from LHW Partnership, renewable energy consultants.
“ Frequently, energy gets exported to the grid rather than being used on-site and this is set to change. FIT export payments of typically 4.91 pence per unit exporting to the grid, when it’ s used on site and combined with battery storage, you can save between 8- 14 pence per unit,” says James.
“ Rather than exporting what you can’ t use immediately to the grid, you’ re building up more of a supply and the cost savings outweigh the grid payback.
“ Due to massive global manufacturing economies of scale and technological innovations, the cost of battery storage is continually falling,” says James.“ Companies are offering some great returns- but don’ t rush for attractive deals. To maximise storage technologies on a domestic scale, farmers need to fully understand their‘ energy load profile’ which means being aware of peak times of use as well as overall use. With storage you can’ t guarantee a good return on investment until you have done a comprehensive energy use audit,” he adds.
Both Tom Beeley and James Hoare will be speaking at the Energy Now Expo next February, where there will be dedicated storage sessions over the two days.
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