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The impact of renewable energy on UK power solutions
and systems


For businesses involved in large-scale infrastructure builds such as UK power solutions, including the installation of power networks, the integration of renewable energy is no longer a distant future concept—it’s happening as we speak. A key factor to best managing these variable energy sources lies in battery storage systems (BESS), which store energy when it’s plentiful and release it when needed.

But why is BESS so important and useful, and what does the growing uptake of renewable energy mean for power infrastructure models?

The changing power landscape

Solar and wind power, once seen as supplementary, are now central to energy strategies worldwide. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that renewables are set to provide more than one-third of total electricity generation globally by early 2025, overtaking coal. The share of renewables in electricity generation is forecast to rise from 30% in 2023 to 37% in 2026, with the growth largely supported by the expansion of ever cheaper solar PV systems.

Unlike traditional power plants, renewable energy sources are variable—solar power depends on sunlight, and wind power relies on wind speeds. This variability can disrupt power supply consistency, affecting grid stability and reliability. For infrastructure companies designing power systems, integrating renewables isn’t just about adding new generation assets; you must consider the new implications that come with it.

Moderinising power networks for renewable energy

The rise of renewable energy is forcing a rethink of power system design and operation. Traditional power grids were built around centralised, predictable power plants, but renewable energy requires a more flexible approach. Battery storage systems (BESS) are one essential method of ensuring a stable power supply. BESS can store excess energy generated during peak solar or wind periods, and release it during times of high demand or low renewable generation.

Large-scale renewables integration also demands other enhancements in grid infrastructure, such as upgrading transmission lines, modernising substations, and ensuring that the power network can accommodate the decentralised nature of solar and wind farms.

The future of renewable energy and power systems

As battery storage technology continues to advance, we can expect even greater integration of renewables, driving further decarbonisation of the energy sector. Investing in the right technologies and strategies to maximise the potential of solar and wind farms with battery storage gives you several key benefits and advantages, including:

  • Grid stability: BESS helps maintain grid stability by smoothing out fluctuations in energy supply, managing frequency, and providing voltage support.
  • Energy shifting: By storing excess energy produced during peak generation times, battery systems can shift energy availability to match peak demand periods, maximising the value of generated power.
  • Reduced curtailment: Storage allows solar and wind farms to capture more of their potential output, reducing instances where excess generation would otherwise be wasted due to grid constraints.
  • Enhanced resilience: For large-scale infrastructure projects, integrating battery storage provides a backup power source during outages, supporting critical infrastructure and increasing overall system resilience—a crucial aspect for UK power solutions providers focused on maintaining a reliable energy supply.
  • On-demand energy: With BESS, energy can be shifted to align with periods of peak demand, ensuring that renewable energy is available when needed most, regardless of weather conditions.
  • By investing in battery storage, UK power solutions providers can ensure a resilient, adaptable grid that meets the growing demand for clean, sustainable energy. Catlow specialises in integrating battery storage into power networks, providing seamless and reliable energy solutions – speak to us today to learn what we can do for you.

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