Grid-connected renewables, storage and the UK electricity market

This article is mainly a counterpoint to an article by Swift-Hook in the journal of Renewable Energy titled Grid-connected intermittent renewables are the last to be stored. It also describes the four main distinct UK markets where electrical energy and services are traded, in order to provide a context for the discussion of renewable energy and energy storage in the UK electricity system. In Swift-Hook's article it was argued that grid-connected intermittent renewables like wind energy will never be stored unless nothing else is available and that storage is counter-productive for fuel saving. We, however, find evidence that grid-connected intermittent renewables have been, and will continue to be stored when it suits the UK market to do so. Furthermore, Swift-Hook's article neglects the potential wider benefits that storage offers to UK energy policy's goals, in terms of reduced emissions (when used in conjunction with renewables) and enhanced security of supply. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.