Durham Energy Institute (DEI) is a founding member of the newly launched Energy Storage Association (UK) - a pioneering trade body committed to advancing energy storage.
The trade body aims to become the cornerstone of the UK’s transition to a resilient, affordable, and net-zero energy system. It was established by industry pioneer Jason Howlett, with support from the DEI and its Professor in Practice, Andrew Crossland.
Our DEI is a leading research institution with a strong track record in energy innovation and Durham recognises the critical role that storage technologies play in enabling a clean energy future.
The Energy Storage Association aligns closely with DEI’s values of putting people first in the transition to clean energy. It also values collaboration across different fields to tackle the world’s biggest energy challenges.
Storage has many roles including supporting the grid, storing excess wind and solar power, tangibly reducing bills and supporting decarbonisation in heating, industry, and transport.
The Energy Storage Association (UK) will represent all forms of energy storage - from electrical batteries and thermal storage to pumped hydro and hydrogen-based systems.
These are all sectors that Durham researchers, students and alumni have and do work in.
With over £25 billion in private investment expected in battery technologies over the next five years in the UK alone, and more than £1 billion in proposals for long-duration storage projects, the sector is poised for rapid growth.
We were invited to be a founding academic partner because of our strong focus on people in the energy transition, our work on grid digital twins, and our broader contributions to clean energy.
Our involvement in the Association reflects our dedication to shaping policy, driving innovation, and ensuring that energy storage becomes a central pillar of the UK’s Clean Power Plan for 2030.
We aim to work with the ESA to develop research projects and placements to help accelerate the UK to become a Clean Energy Superpower.
This is a key Government mission, as well as ensuring storage is properly thought of and represented in Government.
Jennifer Halliday, from Research Innovation Services, attended the launch event held in Westminster, UK, recently.
Baroness Luciana Berger, Chair of the Association, said:“Energy storage is not just critical for balancing and stabilising a renewable-powered grid - it is also one of the biggest opportunities for investment, innovation, and leadership in the global transition to clean energy.”
Fellow founding members include: GivEnergy, Sunsynk, Powervault, Octopus Energy, and Keele University.
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