This conference focuses on next steps for energy storage in the UK.

Following the Government’s response to its call for evidence on Facilitating the deployment of large-scale and long-duration electricity storage, it will be a timely opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to discuss progress made so far, and future action for supporting the development of LLES, including:

• the role of LLES in expanding the energy system and the transition to low carbon energy generation
• assessing the potential impact of regulatory and whole-system reform, and addressing calls for a regulatory definition for storage
• market opportunities, reducing barriers to entry, and improving access to finance and support for commercialisation

Delegates will discuss next steps for policy to support the achievement of LLES benefits, and its integration with the energy system, in the context of the Government’s Smart Systems and Flexibility Plan with its aim of removing barriers to the deployment of electricity storage at all scales and developing appropriate policy to support investment.

Further sessions examine potential pathways to increasing system flexibility, expanding storage capacity, and supporting further renewable generation, as well as priorities for new storage technologies and overcoming barriers to innovation.

Westminster Energy, Environment and Transport Forum are pleased to be able to include a keynote session with Matt Aldridge, Head of Electricity Storage, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Overall, key areas for discussion include:

• expansion of the energy storage sector: priorities for growth and development – supporting business strategies – reducing network and regulatory barriers
• developing and supporting LLES:opportunities for commercialisation and innovation – the potential for boosting reserve capacity across the grid
• planning reform:next steps for reducing barriers to support more high-capacity projects
• driving whole-system change: measures to enhance grid flexibility and connectivity – supporting the transition to decarbonisation – enabling smarter domestic and business energy management
• overcoming commercial barriers: reducing tech costs – improving durability and safety – attracting sector investment