UK power storage needs could hit 500GW by 2050

Battery storage key to smooth out demand peaks as electrification at least doubles demand

The UK’s electricity network by 2050 could require 200-500GW of storage capacity as annual demand in a net-zero energy system doubles from current levels to around 600TWh a year, according to independent think tank Energy Systems Catapult. Of the total storage needs, about 50GW would need to be in the form of batteries, with hot water tanks, gas storage, and other technologies providing the remainder, according to Catapult’s chairman Nick Winser, a former director and UK CEO of National Grid. Under this 2050 scenario, battery capacity would be nearly equivalent to the current total installed generation capacity on the UK system of about 80GW. 600 TWh – projected UK electricity demand i