Britain’s energy regulator Ofgem has selected 77 long-duration electricity storage proposals to move forward to the final assessment stage of its new cap-and-floor support scheme, aimed at boosting investment in energy storage infrastructure.
The initiative, launched in April, is intended to support technologies that can store excess renewable electricity for use during periods of high demand, helping to reduce reliance on gas-fired power and limiting the curtailment of wind generation.
From an initial pool of 171 applications, the projects advancing include a range of technologies such as lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, and pumped hydro systems. Ofgem said the broad mix highlights the importance of diverse solutions in building a resilient and flexible energy system.
“Renewable power is the key to seizing control of our own energy system and end the costly reliance on the turbulent wholesale gas market, so we don’t want to see a single watt go to waste,” said Beatrice Filkin, Ofgem’s director of major projects infrastructure. “Through Ofgem’s cap and floor process we are beginning to identify the projects that we think are best placed to capture and make the most of our precious natural resources.”
Energy Minister Michael Shanks described the announcement as a significant development in expanding the UK’s energy storage capacity. “This is another huge step forward in reversing the legacy that has seen no new long duration storage built for 40 years – a technology that will see Britain take back control of its energy supply and protect billpayers for good,” he said.
Ofgem expects to announce the final list of successful projects in summer 2026 following detailed technical and financial evaluations.
