Smart power could save £8bn by 2030

UK consumers could save up to £8bn a year by 2030 through improvements to energy storage and by better managing demand, a report has concluded.

The National Infrastructure Commission’s report into Smart Power - which is built around innovations in interconnection, storage and demand flexibility - concluded that focussing on new measures could save consumers £8bn a year and help the UK meet carbon targets.

The report has recommended that the government pursue interconnectors with other European countries where the benefits are significant, and that the UK should look to be a world leader in electrical storage systems. To facilitate

Speaking about the report Lord Adonis said: “Quality infrastructure is fundamental to our quality of life. Better decision making, clearer planning, and more efficient and timely delivery can help create the world class infrastructure this country needs to succeed.

“To radically improve, we have to do more than simply adapt to a changing world - we must shape that change to our advantage. The developments in our electricity sector are a case in point.

“Our existing power stations are closing down and their replacements will be radically different as we decarbonise supply to reduce emissions. This represents an enormous challenge, but it also leaves the UK uniquely placed to benefit from three exciting innovations set to transform the global electricity market - interconnection, storage and demand flexibility.”

Last week Energy UK called on the government to lead the way on promoting a new low-carbon energy industry which could in their view boost exports and provide high-skilled jobs.

Commenting on the report AECOM’s director of power and industrial consents Dr Richard Lowe said: “We welcome many of the ideas in the National Infrastructure Commission’s Smart Power report. Championing the use of storage, interconnectors and demand flexibility will help balance the network, allowing continued and increased deployment of a range of renewables technologies to help drive the UK towards meeting climate change targets.

“However, overreliance on interconnectors could still lead to supply risks unless there is adequate redundancy in the system for when the interconnectors are unavailable. The measures highlighted in the report need to be considered alongside a mix of new generation assets to compensate for the forthcoming closures of existing generation assets, such as coal-fired power stations.”