A joint Ørsted and Highview Power investigation into the viability of using liquid air energy storage (LAES) with offshore wind has concluded that there is value in combining the two technologies to support the reduction of wind curtailment and increase productivity.
The study included an in-depth analysis of technical performance, route to planning approval and route to market, as well as a regulatory and economic assessment with the aim of unlocking “greater value for investors and consumers”.
As a result of this study, the companies “believe a project can be developed and built aligned with the timeline of an offshore wind farm”.
The project findings will be fed into the UK Government’s ‘Long Duration Energy Storage’ consultation process to demonstrate the benefits of LAES.
“Storage systems will play a crucial role in supporting the stability of the power network and improving the efficiency of wind farms, encouraging future investment in renewable energy that will boost the UK’s energy security and cut consumer bills,” a Highview Power statement said.
Richard Butland, CEO at Highview Power commented: “The successful co-location of Highview Power’s liquid air energy storage with Ørsted’s offshore wind offers a step forward in creating a more sustainable and self-sufficient energy system for the UK. By enabling renewable energy to be stored and used on-demand, we are on an important journey to help to accelerate the UK’s journey towards energy independence and net-zero emissions.”
Duncan Clark, managing director UK & Ireland for Ørsted said: “Our collaboration with Highview Power demonstrates what is possible in building a world that runs entirely on green energy. Together our technologies can be a catalyst to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy and help unlock the economic potential of that transition for the UK.”
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