Heat - Discovery Continuation aims to explore the feasibility of network flexibility from large-scale and domestic TES to reduce peak demand on the transmission and distribution networks over multiple timescales, reducing the need for network reinforcement. We will also consider benefits to electricity generation by reducing the capacity required to meet peak demand and the gas system by helping to smooth the future demand for hydrogen.

This project is in place to safeguard the delivery and continuity of the associated SIF project.

Benefits

TES has significant potential to reduce CO2 by enabling the use of low carbon renewable energy that would otherwise be constrained. Effectively separating the production of heat from demand so it can be met by intermittent renewable generation. 

The electricity network operator (ESO) estimates that over 13GW of energy storage is required by 2030 and 40GW by 2050. There are two main economic benefits associated with networks: -

1. Avoiding Renewables Curtailment: Allow renewables to operate instead of reducing or curtailing their output. The ESO is spending about £450m a year on constraints. Converting ‘excess’ electricity into stored heat provides flexibility, and both short-term and long-term (inter-seasonal) energy storage. 
2. Network Investment Deferral: Reduce the need for investment in the electricity and gas network for reinforcement. For example, the capacity of the B6 boundary between Scotland and England is currently 6.6GW. According to the ESO Future Energy Scenarios, the required boundary flow could be up to 20GW by 2030. By storing energy as heat and using this at times of winter system maximum demand, the required boundary flow and therefore reinforcement requirement can be reduced.

By reducing peak electricity demand, the requirement for investment in generation infrastructure is also reduced.

there are also environmental impacts of this project. If large-scale TES can displace 5GWh of peak CCGT generation each day during the heating season,  equating to ~ 439,000 Tonnes of CO2 annually. Carbon reduction will also be achieved by reducing reinforcement works on the network.

For the consumer, there are numerous benefits.

Areas where renewable generation is constrained coincide in many cases with areas experiencing high levels of fuel poverty. An example is the East Ayrshire region where we estimate that 120GWh of electrical energy is constrained annually. This energy could potentially be used to benefit these communities.

Benefits to consumers of the whole energy system collectively by reducing the operating costs and capital investment in the network, thereby reducing the Use of System charges in customers’ bills.

Benefits to individual consumers connected to heat networks with TES from lower energy costs due to the flexibility that storage provides