UK needs to get “obsessed” with energy storage, says ESA founder
Energy Storage Association (ESA) founder Jason Howlett tells ESS News learning lessons from other markets can ensure Great Britain avoids levels of negative pricing seen in elsewhere, as pace of UK renewables deployment is poised to ramp up.
The Hydrogen Stream: Lhyfe raises €2.5 million in first crowdfunding round
Lhyfe has raised €2.5 million ($2.9 million) from 1,200 investors for four hydrogen sites in France and Germany, while the UK government has opened a consultation on injecting up to 2% hydrogen into the gas grid.
UK parliament calls for solar supply chain law, forced labor import ban
Cross-party human rights committee says legislation needed to combat forced labor in solar supply chains, in report urging the UK government to introduce mandatory due diligence measures. Solar Energy UK expresses disappointment in committee’s portrayal of the UK solar industry.
UK government extends CfD contract length to 20 years
Changes announced ahead of seventh Contract for Difference (CfD) allocation round widely viewed as key to achieving government’s clean power targets for 2030. Target commissioning window for solar projects also extended in anticipation of larger capacity projects.
UK developer secures $471 million financing for 536 MW-146 MWh solar, BESS portfolio
British Solar Renewables reached financial close on 12-project solar portfolio with three co-located battery energy storage system (BESS) assets. The GBP 345 million financial package covers 536 MW of PV capacity and 146 MWh of BESS.
Largest UK solar plant goes online
The 373 MW Cleve Hill Solar Park is now exporting 100% of its capacity to the grid. Under construction, co-located energy storage to come online at a later date. The project has broken UK records for financing and offtake agreements, according to developer Quinbrook.
UK government unveils solar roadmap, outlines steps to 47 GW by 2030
The UK government has published its plan to support solar deployment to 2030 and beyond. Policies include updating the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, a safety review of plug-in solar for balconies and rooftops, consulting on car park solar, and engaging with industry on skills and training.
LiNa Energy opens sodium battery pilot manufacturing line in UK
10 kWh sodium-metal-chloride batteries will be build at new site in Lancaster, England. Start-up LiNa is targeting markets with harsh climates during initial rollout and intends to produce 100 kWh systems following 10 kWh trial projects.
British and Irish BESS investors make big moves in Japan
Gore Street Capital’s Japanese fund buys its first battery energy storage system (BESS) project, while Ireland’s GridBeyond begins energy trading in Japan with front-of-the-meter asset.
UK records 513 MW of January-May solar additions
Inclusion of deployment figures sourced from Ofgem bring UK solar capacity close to 19 GW. Latest electricity generation data shows strong start to 2025 for solar.
