Government looks to accelerate community batteries

The opportunities to scale up the use of community batteries to boost energy flexibility and benefit consumers is being explored by the government.

It has issued a call for evidence seeks to look at the opportunities and barriers to greater take-up of community batteries large enough to serve multiple homes.

Although the expectation is that community batteries will ordinarily be installed alongside solar generation projects, they could also be standalone.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “If households are going to feel the full benefit of clean power, we need a more flexible energy system - and community batteries can help deliver it, giving renters and people living in flats the chance to store cheaper renewable electricity and cut their bills. 

“This is about putting power back into the hands of local people and ending our reliance on fossil fuel markets driving the affordability crisis - helping communities take control of their energy, build local wealth and restore pride in place.”