05 Aug 2010 05:08:11

ETI calling for energy storage project applications

Organisations are being asked to submit proposals to take part in an energy storage demonstration programme being conducted by the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI).

Under the project, an energy storage device capable of delivery 500kW on an 11kV distribution network for approximately four hours will be designed, constructed and operated in a real-world environment.

A storage device of this size would be able to power 400 homes for four hours in the winter when generation from renewable energy sources is low.

ETI chief executive Dr David Clarke said that the changes due to take place in the energy industry over the next 40 years mean that storage technologies will be essential for security of supply.

"The network of the future must be able to cope with significant levels of electricity being delivered from renewable sources which are likely to be more intermittent than today's generators," he added.

Under the European Union Renewable Energy Directive, the UK is targeted with delivering 15 percent of its energy from renewables by the year 2020.

The closing date for signalling an interest in the project is September 2nd and all proposals must be submitted by September 24th.