This national pilot programme looks to support innovative solutions in energy storage technologies to accelerate commercialisation of innovative longer duration energy storage projects. It is funding innovation across storage types of electricity, thermal and power to X, focussing on progressing projects towards TRL 6 or TRL 9. 

This includes pilots of these energy storage technologies, both in terms of prototypes in operational environments and demonstrations in operational environments. 

This pilot activity is particularly relevant to the Mission’s Innovation Pillars of Affordable and Reliable VRE and System Flexibility and Market Design and is demonstrating action against Mission Innovation Priorities, including energy storage supply chain, recycle and reuse and energy storage integration. 

After launching in February 2022, much of the pilot activity has gone through initial feasibility stages and is now in development and delivery. 

During design phase the programme conducted extensive stakeholder engagement and moving into delivery the programme includes over 30 projects and over 75 organisations conducting innovation to drive forward and enable the delivery of a smart and flexible energy system. 

The Longer Duration Energy Storage Programme is part of the UK’s Net Zero Innovation Portfolio.