UK launches £28 million clean energy storage challenge

The UK government has launched the Ultra-Long Duration Energy Storage (Ultra-LDES) Challenge, a £28 million programme aimed at developing technologies capable of storing clean energy for 100 hours or more. Administered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the initiative provides grants for projects focusing on advanced battery technologies and underground hydrogen storage systems.

The goal is to enable renewable electricity to be stored when supply exceeds demand and released during periods of low wind or solar output, potentially providing power for at least four days. The development of underground hydrogen storage is estimated to have the potential to reduce total energy system costs by between £14 billion and £50 billion between 2035 and 2050.

This announcement concludes the rollout of £102 million in Clean Energy Challenges, which also includes a £74 million programme dedicated to increasing electricity demand flexibility. An initial competition will offer up to £3 million for project development studies.