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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