Challenge
New Resource Partners was commissioned to model the Great Britain power system’s ability to manage a 50% wind and solar share of energy.
Services provided
We assessed the need for Smart Energy Infrastructure (battery and pumped hydro storage, interconnectors, demand response, and flexible gas plant). The analysis also considered how new, smarter energy infrastructure could be used to manage a three-week lull in the wind resource during peak winter electricity demand.
Outcome
The analysis found that energy security can be maintained at 50% renewable energy share, and with less gas generation capacity needed as back-up than the UK currently possesses. It also found that the four flexibility mechanisms inherent in a smart grid – demand shifting, energy storage, trade, and gas-fired power plants – deliver robust energy security. Download the report here.
