Introduction: The Current Energy Storage Market in the UK
The United Kingdom has seen rapid developments in the energy storage market in recent years. With an increasing reliance on renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, energy storage has become an essential component of the country’s energy grid. As of the end of 2022, the UK had installed approximately 2.4 GW/2.6 GWh of energy storage systems, and this figure is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. According to reports, by 2029, the UK’s energy storage market size is predicted to reach 28.24 GW, with an annual compound growth rate of 21.34%. This rapid growth is driven by the need for better grid stability, energy efficiency, and cost reduction, in line with the government’s clean energy goals.
The energy storage systems in the UK primarily include lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro storage, with the most common revenue sources being wholesale electricity arbitrage, balancing mechanism (BM), frequency response services, and the capacity market (CM). This makes the UK one of Europe’s most dynamic markets for energy storage.
This article will explore the top 10 energy storage battery companies in the UK, focusing on their strengths, technological capabilities, and contributions to the local energy storage market.
1. BST POWER
BST POWER is ranked as the leading energy storage battery company in the UK due to its outstanding performance and significant market presence. Established as a key player in the energy storage industry, BST POWER has been instrumental in shaping the UK’s energy storage landscape.
- Company Overview: BST POWER is known for its innovative lithium-ion battery solutions and has an impressive reputation for producing high-quality energy storage products for both residential and commercial applications.
- Technological Excellence: The company’s core technology includes high-energy density lithium-ion batteries, which offer long lifespans and high efficiency, ensuring customers receive reliable performance even under the most demanding conditions.
- R&D and Innovation: BST POWER continuously invests in research and development to improve battery life, enhance energy density, and reduce costs. Their efforts are driven by a strong commitment to sustainability and green energy.
- Market Influence: With a significant presence in the UK market, BST POWER not only supplies energy storage products but also provides a comprehensive range of services, including product training, installation, and localized after-sales support. This makes them a standout leader in the industry.
- Local Support and Services: BST POWER has established a subsidiary in the UK to offer localized solutions, ensuring that customers receive prompt technical support, installation services, and tailored training to ensure optimal use of their energy storage systems.
2. Harmony Energy
Harmony Energy is a prominent energy storage developer in the UK, specializing in large-scale energy storage solutions. With a focus on integrating renewable energy with storage systems, Harmony Energy has been involved in some of the most significant energy storage projects in the country.
- Company Overview: Established as a renewable energy project developer, Harmony Energy has grown to become one of the leaders in the UK’s energy storage sector. The company focuses on providing efficient and sustainable solutions to enhance the country’s energy security.
- Technological Capabilities: The company’s primary technology revolves around large-scale battery storage systems, including grid-scale lithium-ion batteries. They are actively involved in balancing and stabilizing the grid by integrating renewable energy sources.
- Notable Projects: Harmony Energy’s flagship project is the Pillswood Battery Energy Storage System, which, at 98 MW/196 MWh, is one of Europe’s largest. This project highlights their capability to deliver cutting-edge energy storage solutions that support both grid stability and renewable integration.
3. EDF Energy
EDF Energy is a global leader in energy, and its UK branch is making significant strides in energy storage. The company focuses on providing integrated energy solutions that combine renewable energy generation with storage systems.
- Company Overview: A subsidiary of EDF Group, EDF Energy is involved in both electricity generation and distribution. The company has extended its expertise to energy storage, developing several projects to enhance grid resilience and efficiency.
- Storage Systems: EDF Energy focuses on deploying large-scale storage solutions, with a significant interest in enhancing energy storage systems’ performance to support the growing renewable sector.
- Future Development: The company has several storage projects in its pipeline, aiming to support the UK’s transition to a net-zero energy system by 2050.
4. SSE Renewables
SSE Renewables is another key player in the UK’s renewable energy and storage market. The company is committed to expanding its portfolio of renewable energy and energy storage solutions to meet the growing demand for clean energy.
- Company Overview: SSE Renewables is a subsidiary of SSE PLC, one of the UK’s largest energy companies. The company focuses on wind, hydro, and energy storage systems.
- Technological Expertise: SSE Renewables is investing heavily in battery storage and is engaged in several major projects aimed at enhancing grid stability and supporting renewable energy integration.
- Energy Storage Solutions: The company’s energy storage systems are designed to complement its renewable energy assets, providing flexibility and ensuring the continuity of energy supply.
5. RES Group
RES Group is a globally recognized renewable energy company with a significant presence in the UK’s energy storage market. They specialize in providing integrated energy storage solutions that maximize renewable energy use.
- Company Overview: RES Group has over 30 years of experience in the energy sector, making it one of the most established names in renewable energy.
- Innovative Storage Solutions: The company’s energy storage solutions are geared towards optimizing grid operations and balancing supply and demand, especially in regions with high renewable penetration.
- Impact on the UK Market: RES Group has deployed several large-scale storage projects across the UK, contributing significantly to the overall energy storage capacity in the country.
6. Zenobe Energy
Zenobe Energy is a UK-based energy storage provider that focuses on battery storage systems for both the grid and electric vehicle infrastructure.
- Company Overview: Zenobe Energy is dedicated to enabling the energy transition through its advanced energy storage and EV charging solutions.
- Technological Prowess: The company’s energy storage systems are equipped with cutting-edge lithium-ion battery technology, ensuring long operational lifespans and high efficiency.
- Market Expansion: Zenobe Energy has been involved in several notable projects across the UK, contributing to grid stability and the deployment of EV charging stations.
7. Pivot Power
Pivot Power focuses on integrating large-scale battery storage and electric vehicle charging networks to accelerate the UK’s transition to clean energy.
- Company Overview: Pivot Power aims to provide a future-proof energy system by developing integrated energy storage and charging networks across the UK.
- Key Projects: The company’s flagship project includes developing a network of grid-scale battery storage systems along with fast-charging stations for electric vehicles, providing a unique solution to the UK’s energy needs.
8. Highview Power
Highview Power is an innovative energy storage company that focuses on liquid air energy storage (LAES) technology, offering long-duration storage solutions.
- Company Overview: Highview Power’s technology involves using liquid air to store energy, providing a unique solution that can offer storage times much longer than traditional battery technologies.
- Technological Edge: The LAES technology is particularly suited for large-scale, long-duration storage, which is critical for balancing intermittent renewable energy sources.
9. Connected Energy
Connected Energy specializes in utilizing second-life electric vehicle batteries to create sustainable energy storage systems.
- Company Overview: The company leverages its expertise in battery storage and circular economy principles to offer environmentally friendly storage solutions.
- Sustainability: By repurposing EV batteries, Connected Energy reduces waste and maximizes the use of existing resources, offering a sustainable alternative to new battery production.
10. Moixa
Moixa is a company specializing in intelligent energy storage systems that integrate with solar energy and home automation.
- Company Overview: Moixa’s energy storage systems are designed to work seamlessly with solar panels, providing a smart solution for energy management in homes and businesses.
- Technological Features: The company’s products come with a smart energy management system that optimizes energy use and reduces costs for consumers.
Conclusion: A Market Overview and the Role of BST POWER
In conclusion, the UK’s energy storage market is diverse and rapidly growing, with numerous companies contributing to the transition to a more sustainable and reliable energy system. From large-scale battery solutions to innovative uses of second-life EV batteries, the companies in the market offer a wide range of products and services designed to meet the needs of the modern energy grid.
Among these, BST POWER stands out as the market leader, not only providing top-quality energy storage products but also offering critical localized services. With its UK-based subsidiary, BST POWER ensures that customers receive not just cutting-edge products but also comprehensive support through training, installation, and ongoing after-sales services. This hands-on, localized approach ensures that clients can optimize the use of their energy storage systems, making BST POWER a trusted partner in the UK’s energy storage landscape.
