Is the battery storage pipeline growing in the UK?

This report will be launched to coincide with Clean Power Grid Conference 2025, 1 May 2025 at the IET, London. Overall though, the breakdown of the battery storage pipeline in the UK indicates a position of growth, with a large proportion of the pipeline capacity in early development, in planning and consented stages.

How is the UK's solar energy and battery storage sector changing?

The UK’s solar energy and battery storage sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, bolstered by ambitious climate targets and supportive policies. Solar photovoltaics (PV) capacity has rebounded since the end of feed-in tariffs, while energy storage is scaling up to enhance grid reliability.

How much GW will a battery energy storage system deliver?

With over £20 billion of battery energy storage projects in planning, and Clean Power 2030 calling for 23–27 GW by decade’s end, the pressure to deliver is rising — not just for developers, but also for system operators, investors, and policymakers tasked with delivering a flexible, low-carbon grid.

Will there be a surge in battery energy storage projects?

There will be a potential surge in battery energy storage system (BESS) projects receiving grid connection offers before 2030 following regulatory reforms approved by energy regulator Ofgem, according to a new study.

Can the UK achieve a clean power system in 2030?

The UK’s National Energy System Operator (NESO) says achieving a clean power system in 2030 will require installed clean energy generation and storage capacity of around 210GW to 220GW, with around half coming from wind and solar. But the UK grid currently lacks the capacity to accommodate a massive renewables energy push.

How has energy storage policy changed over the years?

Policy has evolved to support energy storage as well. In a notable 2020 reform, the government removed a major planning hurdle by allowing battery projects over 50 MW to bypass the national planning regime, streamlinin g approvals for large-scale storage. This change unlocked the development of some of Europe’s biggest batteries on the UK grid.