14 FARM NEWS FEB / MAR 2018 • farmers-mart. co. uk
Email: james @ powercleaningsystems. co. uk Website: www. powercleaningsystems. co. uk
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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Email: james @ powercleaningsystems. co. uk Website: www. powercleaningsystems. co. uk