The Farmers Mart Feb-Mar 2018 - Issue 55 | Page 14

14 FARM NEWS FEB / MAR 2018 • farmers-mart . co . uk

Cheaper farm energy with battery storage

An ‘ energy revolution ’ is being predicted for the UK over the next decade , as farmers and landowners look to invest in energy storage technology .

ACCORDING to James Court , Head of Policy and External Affairs at the Renewable Energy Association , around 2.5GW of subsidy-free solar and energy storage projects are set to be deployed in the UK over the next two years .

“ If a farmer has already invested in renewable technologies , energy storage would add extra value to their onsite generation ,” he says .

Historically , one of the drawbacks of renewable energy such as solar and wind , has been its production variability . However , battery technology could help to overcome these peaks and troughs .

“ It also opens up a range of future diversification opportunities , such as the prospect of hosting

charging stations on-farm for electric vehicles .”

He adds that the UK is likely to see a much more flexible energy market in the months ahead .

“ Time of Use tariffs are currently under consultation , but will allow farms to use electricity when it ’ s cheapest to do so , with the right control system in place ,” he says .

“ Developments in lithium ion batteries have also reduced the size and cost of the technology . Leading to more feasible ‘ behind the meter ’ domestic storage and commercial-scale systems , which support existing grid infrastructure for wind and solar farms ,” he says .

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