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