Subscribe to our Construction Newsfeed
Scotland Construction Directory
Search our 14,698 companies....

Construction News

21/03/2025

Urgent Energy Storage Expansion Needed To Maximise Wind Power

Construction News Image
The UK urgently requires a significant expansion of its energy storage capacity to achieve its goal of a clean power system by 2030, according to a new analysis by Drax Electric Insights.

The report, conducted in collaboration with academics at Imperial College London, highlights that a substantial portion of wind-generated electricity is currently being wasted.

In 2024, Britain reached a historic milestone, with wind power becoming the country's largest source of electricity, accounting for 31% of total generation and surpassing fossil fuels for the first time in 140 years. However, despite this achievement, 8.3 terawatt-hours (TWh), or approximately 10% of generated wind power, was curtailed due to grid congestion, costing consumers nearly £400 million. This wasted energy is enough to power over two million homes.

The report emphasises that scaling up energy storage capabilities, such as long-duration energy storage (LDES) and battery energy storage systems (BESS), alongside grid infrastructure improvements, is crucial. These solutions would allow excess wind power produced during periods of low demand to be stored and released when needed, reducing reliance on gas during 'dunkelflaute' periods – periods of cold, calm weather. Without significant investment and policy support, the UK risks losing vast amounts of clean energy.
-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd



Dr Iain Staffell of Imperial College London, lead author of the Drax Electric Insights report, said: "The rapid continued growth of wind power generation should give us cause for optimism on the journey towards clean energy, but that growth presents its own very real and different challenges. Last year we saw a 17% reduction in emissions compared to 2023, but with more wind comes more intermittency. This was evident across the back end of 2024 and early 2025, with three separate periods of cold, calm weather – known as 'dunkelflaute' – exposing Britain's reliance on costly imported energy and drawing down the nation's gas storage to 'concerningly low' levels."

He added: "Investment in intermittent renewables such as wind and solar is helping us reduce fossil fuel levels in our power generation mix, but without large-scale energy storage and grid upgrades, we will continue wasting clean energy and paying the price for it, especially during long cold snaps and windless conditions."

The report also noted that curtailment of wind energy has doubled in a year, rising from 5.5% to over 10%, primarily due to Scottish wind farms producing more energy than the grid can transmit to demand centres in England.

Ian Kinnaird, FlexGen Assets Director at Drax, said: "The UK government has set ambitious targets for energy storage and grid reinforcement, but the pace of deployment must accelerate to match the rapid growth of renewable generation. Policy incentives, streamlined planning processes, and investment in medium and long-duration storage technologies will all be critical in ensuring Britain fully capitalises on its renewable energy sources."

Latest Construction News

17/04/2025
A joint venture between Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures and Buccleuch Property has successfully acquired 101 Centre Street in Glasgow, signalling a significant investment in the city's burgeoning southbank area. The 50/50 partnership aims to unlock substantial redevelopment potential on the 1.7
17/04/2025
Biotech firm MiAlgae has taken a significant step in its expansion plans by submitting proposals for a new production facility in Grangemouth, Scotland. The move is set to bolster Scotland’s green economic transition, with the first phase of the site projected to generate over 100 green jobs once op
17/04/2025
Scottish Water has completed the initial phase of a significant peatland restoration project at Loch Katrine, a vital source of drinking water for over a million customers in Glasgow and the surrounding areas. The 400-hectare initiative aims to enhance water quality by reducing the amount of organ
17/04/2025
Clark Contracts has commenced work on a new £30 million purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development on Osborne Street in Glasgow. The contractor was appointed by Ambassador Group to undertake the design and build of the 273-bed project. Located in the heart of Glasgow City Centre withi
17/04/2025
Seven projects dedicated to promoting, celebrating, and enhancing Scotland's rich and diverse heritage are set to receive a share of £3.9 million in funding. The grants have been awarded through Historic Environment Scotland's (HES) Partnership Fund, which supports third-sector organisations making
17/04/2025
The Viking Community Fund has distributed over £1 million to 52 projects in the Shetland Islands since its inception on 1 September 2024. The funding has provided vital support to a diverse range of community initiatives, from small grants for youth clubs and sports teams to significant investment
17/04/2025
The Finishes & Interiors Sector (FIS) has announced a new partnership with The Skills Centre to provide essential training and support for individuals seeking careers in the finishes and interiors sector. The collaboration is a direct response to the increasing skills shortage within the constructio
17/04/2025
John Aitchison, Managing Director of Maxi Construction, has announced the successful acquisition of several new contracts. Commenting on the recent awards, Mr Aitchison stated: "These contracts represent repeat business and awards via some of the frameworks we’re appointed to. We look forward to suc
16/04/2025
Construction work on the £5 million repair and refurbishment project at the Loch Centre in Tranent is scheduled to commence in June 2026. East Lothian Council has announced the anticipated start date for the significant upgrade to the well-used community facility. Under the current timetable, the
16/04/2025
A £636,000 project to install solar panels at the Gorbals water pumping station in South Ayrshire has been successfully completed. The scheme aims to provide a renewable energy source for pumping water to thousands of customers in the region. The project involved the installation of 793 solar pan
RBT Underfloor LimitedMorris & Spottiswood LtdCrown Street Lighting LtdArdent Consulting EngineersPlanning HandbookDryburgh Associates LimitedWindow StoreRD Joinery ServicesListers Concrete PumpingJohnston Oils Limited