Western Power Distribution and UK Power Networks have rejected suggestions that they could potentially abuse monopoly positions in procuring flexibility to help balance their power networks. Both distribution network operators (DNOs) are beginning their shift towards a distribution system operator (DSO) model and asking businesses to provide flexibility to help manage network constraints. Aggregators and Read more…
Centrica to use Gateshead Council’s 3MW battery storage system for both local and national grid balancing
Centrica is to manage a 3MW battery storage system for Gateshead City Council. The system has been installed alongside CHP units at the council’s District Energy Centre. Aggregator Flexitricity recently signed a 15-year deal to manage that CHP output within balancing markets, which it said would earn the council around £1m over the contract. The Read more…
Shifting the balance of power: Free demand-side response and battery storage report
The Energyst has published a new, free, demand-side response and battery storage report, outlining challenges and opportunities for businesses aiming to cut costs and generate income by providing grid balancing services. The report provides a perspective of the state of play from both end users and service providers. Demand-side response (DSR) primarily involves adjusting electricity Read more…
Battery storage to push frequency response revenues down STOR path?
Greater volumes of fast responding assets, such as batteries, may start to erode frequency response prices. The question is by how much and how soon. The Energyst asked market participants. “Our modeling shows storage has a major role to play – and if battery costs keep coming down then you will have an oversupply of Read more…
Smart meter rollout: 7 million down, 43 million to go
Energy suppliers have installed some 7.36 million smart meters, according to latest government figures. With around 50m gas and electricity meters installed in households, the data suggests suppliers have achieved around 15% of the 2020 target. Large energy suppliers have installed the vast majority of smart meters (7.07m). The department for business, energy and industrial Read more…
British Gas: Not retrenching from I&C market, worst of billing pain ‘over’
British Gas says it remains highly focused on the industrial and commercial (I&C) energy market despite suggestions to the contrary. The company also believes it is finally emerging from the “painful” billing system upgrade that soured relationships. Centrica stated in interim results earlier this month that it would focus retention activities on higher value SME Read more…
DSO goes live: UK Power Networks tenders for 35.4MW of DSR to go live January
UK Power Networks has begun a tender process for up to 35.4MW of demand-side response for delivery starting in January next year. Following an expressions of interest call launched today, the network operator will invite firms to tender early October. UK Power Networks seeks assets that can increase exports (generate) or reduce imports (consume less) Read more…
17% of UK solar capacity expected to be sold within 18 months
One of the UK’s largest solar investors believes up to 2GW of the UK’s 12GW of solar generation will change hands in the next 12-18 months. The Foresight Group currently owns some 900MW of large-scale solar capacity, most of it in the UK. At the end of June, it completed the acquisition of the 72MW Shotwick Read more…
Energy storage ‘will wipe out battery storage’
There are quick bucks to be made from battery storage. But in three or four years, many assets will be in the bin, reckons redT chief Scott McGregor. He claims sustainable energy storage that can handle multiple functions for decades without degrading is now viable. Brendan Coyne reports Predictions for battery storage penetration vary wildly. Read more…
National Grid plots major overhaul of balancing services with frequency response first to change
National Grid has outlined plans for a major overhaul of balancing services over five years. The System Operator will start with frequency response, pledging to have a new product in market by next March. National Grid said it needs to procure faster frequency response closer to real time and wants views on its proposals. Within Read more…
Battery storage: Finance and revenues challenging but businesses predict 3-7 year payback
Three quarters of companies considering battery storage projects predict payback periods of between three and seven years, according to early findings of a survey by The Energyst. However, when it comes to securing funds, predictability of revenue is a concern for almost two thirds (62%) of those surveyed, while stability of policy worries almost half Read more…
As solar generation makes history, National Grid starts to feel the burn
Sunny weather on Saturday made history, according to National Grid. Solar PV connected to the distribution system reduced the draw on the main transmission system in the afternoon to a lower level than it had been overnight on Friday. That has never happened before, said the system operator. “On Saturday 25 March 2017 transmissions system demand in Read more…
Energyst Media launches The Energyst Event
Energyst Media has today launched The Energyst Event, a trade show focusing specifically on business energy issues, rather than broader sustainability and environmental concerns. The show will further the remit of The Energyst magazine and theenergyst.com in providing essential information to cater for the needs of the modern energy professional. It will take place at Read more…