The role of energy storage systems in

enhancing renewable energy

integration and grid stability in the
United Kingdom
Abstract
The ability of Renewable energy resources like solar and wind to reduce
Earth’s dependence on fossil fuel is severely challenged by the
intermittent nature of energy output based on the changing nature of
seasons and weather. It also impacts the reliability of these sources of
energy, thus necessitating the creation and use of energy storage devices
and systems in the energy creation processes and general energy cycle.

A strong instance of the systems that have been created to address the
reliability issue in energy is the battery energy storage system. But there
are many milestones to be met before energy storage devices can live up
to the requirements of the 21st century. This paper explores in detail the
possibilities of energy storage and the impact that they can have on the
energy industry in the UK.

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.0. Background of the study

The reduction of human and world dependence on fossil fuels and

greenhouse gas emissions in the electric sector is highly dependent on
the ability of humanity to maximise renewable energy sources, like wind
and solar ( Owusu & Sarkodie 2016)
Issues relating to Climate change have led to governmental
interventions and initiatives such as increasing renewable energy
portfolio standards (UK government 2021). This, in addition to the
efforts of consumers worldwide, is helping improve deployments of
both energy technologies.
Despite the renewable nature of solar and wind energies, it is crucially
noted that they are both highly variable and uncertain in terms of their
output (Tong et al. 2021).
This variability in the two major renewable energy sources is
accompanied by legitimate concerns, because the prospect of an energy
grid that is mostly or completely dependent on highly variable sources is
highly unattractive.
Due to the variability of solar and wind energy because of the
fluctuation in the availability of sunshine and wind force, it becomes
necessary to make attempts to save and store the energy we are able to
store in the short and long term at any time, in any location as well. The
attention of researchers and professionals alike has been drawn to the
increasing need for energy storage as this may prove to be the still
inadequate yet critical aspect of future energy systems that use large
amounts of variable renewable resources.
It is apparent that humans need to store energy consistently (Dimitriev
et al. 2019). This fact is widely accepted. What, however, remains the
subject of debate is the question of whether it is economical to do so.
This question; it has been suggested, can be answered by comparing the
options that are presently available to maintain the required system
reliability; this may include specific technologies and changes in
operational practices.
To determine the potential role of storage in the grid of the future, it is
important to examine the technical and economic impacts of variable
renewable energy sources.
It is also important to examine the economics of a variety of potentially
competing technologies, including demand response, transmission,
flexible generation, and improved operational practices (Dimitriev et al.
2019).
In addition, while there are clear benefits of using energy storage to
enable greater penetration of wind and solar, it is important to consider
the potential role of energy storage in relation to the needs of the electric
power system as a whole.
While this system is yet to become a universally adopted solution, it is
expected that subsequent development in density, versatility, and
efficiency will lead to a more widespread acceptance and usage.
The demand for energy varies, depending on the sort of consumers who
are making the demand (Breukers et al. 2013). The quantity and quality
of power produced throughout each day, however, is subject to
fluctuations (Breukers et al. 2013). There is also an imbalance of
demands (from energy gotten from fossils fuel) as opposed to supply
(Dimitriev et al. 2019), and this significantly affects the daily activities
for which energy is needed. An attempt to increase the supply of fossil
fuel at all costs can cause pollution, which would then lead to increased
global warming (Perera 2017).
The obvious solution to this problem is to find alternative energy sources
that have a less harmful impact on the environment and are renewable.
In recognizing their unreliable nature, though, it is important to initiate
efforts to induce flexibility, stability, and reliability in energy storage
technologies (Worku 2022).
Renewable Energy storage can help close the gap between demand and
supply, both in terms of physical distance as well as temporal distance.
Instances of low-quality electrical energy infrastructure can be solved
with the now dependable energy due to the stored source.
Another crucial way that energy gets lost, misplaced, or misused is in
the duration of the transition between the energy generation sources and
the consumers (Oyedepo 2020). The result of this is that the energy
might not get to where it is needed the most, thus rendering it
inefficient.
Battery storage has made electrical energy systems more effective and
efficient, running plants close to the height of their capability. Electrical
energy can be stored and distributed through two major routes; either a
distribution substation or at a distribution feeder also, SCADA
(supervisory control and data acquisition) equipment, control schemes,
and economies of scale can easily access using centralized storage
technologies.

Aims of study

This research proposal aims to explore and analyze the role of energy
storage systems in enhancing grid stability and facilitating the
integration of renewable energy sources within the context of the United
Kingdom. The study intends to investigate the growing significance of
energy storage systems in addressing the challenges associated with the
increased deployment of renewable energy, as well as the rising demand
for energy security and storage solutions

OBJECTIVES

1. To identify the current energy systems available for grid-scale

applications in the UK

2. Analyse the effect of the energy storage system on the UK's

grid's stability, resilience, and dependability.

3. To evaluate the benefits of energy storage systems in facilitating

renewable energy integration.

4. Evaluate the economic viability of energy storage systems for

renewable energy use

Significance of study

The UK energy industry reports say that the country is working towards
a minimum of 80% (below the levels seen in 1990) reduction in
greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This can only be feasible if the UK
can successfully make efficient changes in energy production and usage
across the country and all its industries.
The process to achieving this aim would involve the following;
1. Significant increase in renewable energy
 2. Improved energy efficiency
3. Less fossil fuel demand and increased electricity demand for heat
and transport
Whilst these changes are guaranteed to have a significantly positive
effect on the implementation of the UK energy vision for 2050, there are
crucial challenges that face this dream. One of such challenges is that of
matching the demand for electric energy to its supply. In addition to this,
it is imperative to find ways to create opportunities for more electricity
and heat storage deployment.

This search will thoroughly investigate how energy storage systems

contribute to the integration of renewable energy sources and the
stability of the grid in the United Kingdom. It will conduct a
comprehensive analysis of the current state of affairs and fill existing
knowledge gaps, as well as shed light on the challenges and
opportunities associated with implementing energy storage systems in
the UK.

Energy storage systems are undeniably crucial for the present and
future energy landscape of the United Kingdom. They play a vital role in
facilitating the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources while
ensuring that the grid remains stable, resilient, and secure. The outcomes
of this research endeavor aim to provide valuable insights that can guide
policymakers, stakeholders, and decision-makers at various levels. The
objective is to empower them with the necessary knowledge to make
informed decisions, accelerate progress toward the UK's climate goals
and net zero targets
Research question

1. Are there significant and impactful challenges facing the UK

energy storage systems?
2. What is the relationship between renewable energy integration
and grid stability in the United Kingdom?
3. Are there impactful and effective solutions to challenges facing the
UK energy storage systems?

Research hypothesis

● There are significant and impactful challenges facing the UK

energy storage systems
● There aren't significant or impactful challenges facing the UK
energy storage systems
● Renewable energy integration and storage are important to grid
stability in the United Kingdom.
● Renewable energy integration and storage aren't important to grid
stability in the United Kingdom.
 ● There are impactful and effective solutions to challenges facing the
UK energy storage systems?
● There aren't any impactful and effective solutions to challenges
facing the UK energy storage systems.

Scope and limitation of the study

This research will be conducted in the context of energy storage systems

in the UK. It will examine existing literature on the energy industry,
exploring the role of energy storage systems in enhancing renewable
energy integration and grid stability in the United Kingdom. A major
limitation is in the fact that it focuses specifically on the energy industry
in the UK

Research Methodology

In this study, the use of a critical realist philosophy with a focus on

epistemological concepts was adopted. Using a robust mixed
methodology approach, this study aims to understand the research topic
comprehensively.

Specifically, this study employs both quantitative and qualitative

research methods, applying statistical analysis and literature review. It
recognizes that the topic is multifaceted and requires a combination of
qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the intricate details and
broader patterns and trends in the data.
Plan of study

The first chapter of this extended proposal will present the

introduction, background, aim, and objectives as well as its
hypothesis. Chapter 2 will present, discuss and analyze existing
literature to support existing hypotheses and identify gaps in the
literature. Chapter 3 presents the research philosophy, approach,
and methodology. It will expose the perspectives from which this
search will be conducted and explore its credibility and validity.
Chapter 4 presents a general summary of the extended proposal,
identifying the relationship between the previous chapters and
prospective future research recommendations and contributions
to existing knowledge.
 Chapter 2: Literature Review

2.0. Introduction

This chapter consists of an examination of the existing literature

surrounding the topic of energy storage, renewable energy, grid stability,
and the general state of energy in the United Kingdom. Two major
research papers are examined to analyze and effectively establish a
background for this paper. The first paper is by Yao et al. (2016) on the
Challenges and progresses of energy storage technology and its
application in power systems. The second text is Lazkano et al. (2015),
which discusses the role of the Electricity Storage system in the
conversion of Fossil Fuels to Renewables:

2.1. 1. Energy Storage Technologies for Grid Stability in the UK:

The seventh SDG that was agreed upon (after years of research,
conversation, and debates) by world leaders in 2015 clearly states the
need for clean and renewable energy. (Clark 2021) notes that the goals of
this 7th agenda were to improve the world's carbon emission levels and
bring greenhouse emissions to the barest minimum whilst ensuring that
energy was made available to most of the world at the most affordable
expense possible (Iacobuţă et al. 2022)..
The major aim of this goal is to improve the world's handling of global
warming and climate change and to encourage world leaders to commit
more intentionally towards the reduction of temperatures all over the
world. The ideal temperature being well below 2 degrees Celsius, while
the highest target temperature would fall to around 1.5 degrees
(UNFCCC 2015).

This SDG consensus entrusts all stakeholders to do their very best and
contribute to reaching the world's ideal temperature levels (UNFCCC
2015),

The contributions of sovereign states and their leaders were expected to

include but not be limited to reporting about the efforts towards
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementation efforts
(UNFCCC 2015).
The UK is a known flag bearer in the war against climate change. But it
also goes without saying that the UK is also a large contributor to
climate change. This may account for their commitment to help reduce
the problem, but it may also be because they are essential world leaders.
Their commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by
2050 is well-known and recorded (Stark et al.2019).
Towards this stated end, The UK has developed a game plan that is
meant to help increase and improve their present efforts to promote and
increase the use of cleaner energy
sources while significantly reducing the world's dependence on fossil
fuels for power generation.
It goes without saying that the power sector is a huge contributor to the
present GHG emissions levels in the world. It also doesn't help that the
human demand for energy has been rising and is expected to continue
upward. BEIS (2021) and Ball-Burack, Salas & Mercure (2022) identify
that one of the strongest solutions to
The problem that the world's demand for energy poses is to electrify and
rapidly decarbonize the entire power sector.
About 43 % of all energy created in the UK is renewable. The UK hoped
to completely switch to renewable energy by 2035 (BEIS 2021).

The efforts of the UK government towards decarbonizing the energy

sector have paid off, with the percentage of zero-carbon energy in the
UK electricity mix increasing from about 18% in 2010 to well above 50
% by 2021.
The dependence on fossil fuels has also reduced significantly as
electricity derived from fossil fuels has shown a decrease from over 75 %
in 2010 to approximately 35% in 2021 (BEIS 2021).
Tional systems

Figure 3 Energy Consumption by Source, UK. Source: DECC (2022).

The UK’s aim to drastically reduce fossil fuel consumption supports its
target of reducing carbon emissions by 78 % by 2035 (BEIS 2021b).
Considering the fact that the oil and gas industry in the UK is the culprit
in about 3 % of all UK greenhouse gas emissions (OGUK 2019), with
offshore installations emitting over 24,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent for
every million barrels of oil equivalent that the country produces (Quinn
2021).
However, despite the SDG, and especially the UK’s very vocal
commitment to reducing carbon levels and greenhouse emission levels
in the light of the known threats posed by hydrocarbon emissions, UK
oil and gas sector policies are still focused on growing indigenous oil
and gas production with the real commitment going to doing so at lower
emission intensities.
Based on this situation of things, the International Energy Agency (IEA)
predicts a 25 % rise in demand for crude oil will rise through the next
two decades. The demand for natural gas is expected to rise by over 50
% by 2040 (IEA, 2022).
Quinn (2021)notes the fact that it is not feasible to achieve the UK’s aims
under present operational systems. There is a requirement for a
divergence from the present operational behavior of the UK’s oil and gas
industry, beginning with strong policies and actions to back it up. One
such action is the commitment to the electrification of the UK oil and gas
fields.

Moving towards the electrification of the UK’s Oil and Gas Fields
Having been in the oil and gas production business for over sixty years
with a significant concentration on offshore activities, the UK currently
owns and controls over 300 oil fields UK (OGA 2021).
The OGA further reveals that the UK had over 4.4 billion barrels of oil in
reserve as of the closing of 2020. This fact suggests that the UK will
continue to produce and consume crude oil products well into 2030. The
reality of the UK oil reserve levels suggests the continued viability of the
oil and gas industry, and the country appears to be leveraging on this by
increasing its oil production to 1.1 million barrels per day by 2035
(OGUK 2019).
As opposed to the expectation that has been built, particularly because
of the 7th SDG, the United Kingdom’s dependence on its domestic
production of oil and gas products is expected to increase because of a
different goal of reducing their oil and oil product importation.
Presently, Norway, the USA, Qatar, and, until recently, Russia supplies
more than half of all the crude oil of the united kingdom. The quantity
supplied by these countries is expected to increase to about 70% by 2030
if the UK does not concretize its move to cleaner energy or at least local
production (IEA 2022). But it is not just about creating renewable energy,
it is also about creating affordable and accessible renewable energy.
And in order for the UK to be able to increase renewable energy
production successfully, it also has to figure out a way to store and
distribute renewable energy such that it can continue to meet energy
demands with very little compromise on the cost of access.

Economic Viability and Cost-Benefit Analysis of Energy Storage

Systems for Renewable Integration:

There is no doubt about the need for the UK, and indeed the rest of the
world to move away from excessive youse of fossil fuel and towards
renewable energy. But there are many conversations to be had
concerning what this move towards renewable energy will mean for the
present world civilization and, indeed, individual counties and
continents in terms of benefits and the cost of the move as well.

When the use of fossil fuel began with the cutting of trees to make fire,
many of the humans who started it were not actively conscious of the
impact of their activities on the environment. Even if they were, did they
realize just how far the mining of nature for fuel and energy would
come? Or the effect it would have on our world? Would we say that in
light of all the advances of technology and humanity, this predatory and
insensitive mining of nature for energy was worth it? If so, by what
parameters do we decide what was worth it and what wasn't?

Presently, the questions remain the same as to whether or not renewable

energy is economically feasible Quinn (2021) and whether or not the
energy storage systems that are a necessary part of renewable green
energy are cost-effective, not just in terms of finance but also in terms of
long-term effect on the planet.

Energy storage systems are crucial in reducing dependence on

conventional fossil fuel plants and increasing the use of RES.

Evaluating the varying energy storage methods is a complex and

tedious task because each of those technologies presents multiple use
cases and often works in tandem with one another. It is, however, crucial
to continue the academic discourse on storage techniques to reap energy
advantages at the lowest possible cost to humans, the earth, and the
economy.

A major factor in matching the supply of energy to its demand is the

ability to save energy and distribute it according to the needs of the
populace (Quinn 2021). When combined with significantly effective
renewable energy, what is created is unbeatable energy access and
supply.

The solution to the problems posed by the move towards renewable

energy is found in the modifications in electricity market operations.
The UK’s growing energy demand, especially in light of the increase in
immigration and industry growth and development, is a catalyst for
serious conversations and actions towards finding long-term alternatives
to fossil fuel use. If the aim is to reduce Carbon and GHG emissions,
then the country cannot continue relying on fossil fuels for energy.

Integrating RESs, however, is not without its challenges. It faces multiple

challenges because of the variability and unpredictability of RESs. One
such problem is how to store and effectively distribute renewable
energy. For instance, if the UK is able to employ enough solar panels to
trap solar energy and also distribute it in the form of electricity
throughout summer and some parts of spring, what happens in the
winter when the intensity of the sun is drastically reduced? As a solution
to the problem of electricity storage, batteries have been developed to
store solar energy for short-term distribution. Many houses in America
and Africa are now almost completely solar-powered.

This is probably more feasible in Africa because the effects of the sun are
stronger, and they don't have to think about long-term storage. Many
energy companies have created affordable solar inverters that can power
the average five-bedroom house, maybe even a cluster of houses of the
same size and energy need. But again, the sun is hotter, and such
inventions can easily function better in a place that has fewer winters
and more summers.

The case in the UK is different. With over three months of harsh winter
every twelve months, it is not as easy to count on the constant
appearance of the sun in enough intensity to charge enough batteries to
power a whole country. Except, of course, the energy has already been
saved from times when the intensity of the sun was stronger.

This would require a larger scale energy saving project that not only
saves more solar energy but preserves it for a longer period as well. But
most importantly, this sort of renewable energy requires more
management because of all the efforts that have gone into making it
available in the first place. There will be more need to be specific and
accurate in the calculations of distribution, with every user getting only
exactly what they need and paid for in order to maximize the available
energy resources.

A question that remains salient in the minds of researchers is what the

cost of switching from fossil fuel to renewable energy will be for the
United Kingdom.
Energy storage systems (ESSs)can potentially revolutionize the basic
design and operation of electrical power grids (Chen et al., 2009). It is a
requisite right now that power grids continuously maintain a balance
between the demand and supply of electricity. A strong investment of
ESSs into the grid would reduce the problem that necessitated this,
making it possible to withdraw electricity from the grid if and when
there is overproduction. The removed excess can then be reserved until
the grid is short again and then added back into distribution.

With this ability to reserve electricity, there will be a significant

reduction in production cost as well as lower emissions reductions due
to the efficient utilization of electricity generators. This will expedite the
integration of renewable electricity.

Considering what is possible when ESS is applied to the electrical power

grids powered by fossil fuel, it is even more impressive when applied to
intermittent power sources like solar and wind (Rastler 2010).

There is a better chance of grid reliability due to frequency regulation,

spinning reserve capacity, transmission and distribution support (Rastler
2010), and voltage support, including VAR compensation (Ribeiro et al.,
2001). Another important benefit of ESS on renewable energy is revealed
to be grid stabilization (especially at instances of voltage deviation,
reverse-power-flow, and over-power in distribution networks (Wade et
al., 2010).

Some countries (including the UK and the US) already utilize some of
these on a small scale (Chen et al., 2009, (Ribeiro et al., 2001; Divya &
Østergaard, 2019).
In the United Kingdom, this study focuses on over 16.1 GW of installed
ESS capacity (Murrant et al. 2016). This is significantly less than to the
total generating capacity of the UK, which is 76 GW (Murrant et al.
2016).

ESSs have not been cost-effective in many scenarios, from installation to

operation. However, there have been improvements due to the
increasing capacity of intermittent wind and solar power generators
(Murrant et al. 2016).

An important factor in the improved cost-effectiveness of ESSs is the fact

of BV fluctuating power outputs, which is the culprit in the many
instances of market price volatility (Bullough et al., 2004).

This volatility has the potential to increase ESS revenue gatting capacity
and create chances for price arbitrage ( where traders can buy and store
energy when the prices are low, to sell it back to the grid when scarcity
has pushed the price high enough to make a profit)

The possibility of employing ESSs for arbitrage and for specific ESS
technologies in particular markets has been explored using some generic
storage devices (Eyeret al., 2003; Schoenung & Eyer, 2008; Eyer and G. P.
Corey, 2010). However, Bradbury et al. (2014) revealed that while most
ESSs may be uneconomic for real-time markets, their economic potential
for other uses cannot be dismissed. Their usefulness in ancillary markets
is particularly popular. Furthermore, high energy capital costs and
self-discharge make many ESSs non-feasible in energy markets for now.
There are salient issues for energy companies, governments, and other
consequential stakeholders to confront first before the situation can
change.

According to Bradbury et al. (2014),

“ESSs are poised to play a major role in large-scale power systems, but this will
require well-informed decisions regarding the direction of further research,
development, and deployment efforts to reduce costs”