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Q&A: What is 'long-duration energy storage' – and why does the UK need it?

Published

19 August 2026

Topic

technology

Sectors

Climate Tech

Geography

United Kingdom

Source

Read at carbonbrief.org

Verified

Fusion42 · 19 August 2026 · Fusion42 review

The UK is advancing long-duration energy storage (LDES) technologies to store renewable energy for extended periods, with Ofgem supporting 16 projects through a new cap-and-floor scheme. These technologies aim to stabilise supply during low wind and solar periods and could reduce energy system costs by over £24bn between 2030 and 2050.

This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Climate Tech.

◆ The Wire takeaway

You must now factor in long-duration storage options as prime energy system enablers. UK policy support opens projects that will change grid reliability and create procurement opportunities in storage tech over the next decade.

Coverage

1 source · 19 Aug 2026

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Topics

Climate Techldesenergy-storagerenewables-integrationofgem-supportuk-energy-transition