Energy Storage is poised for significant growth in the UK due to a resurgence in confidence for renewable energy, making it the cheapest most sustainable power available. Opportunities in energy storage are aplenty, but farmers are being urged to source sound advice, as there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.

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Storage is overcoming the limiting issue of intermittent renewable energy and is widely understood as the missing piece in the puzzle. Energy and Rural Business Show, taking place in Telford International Centre this February 6 and 7 has a dedicated Energy Storage Theatre where farmers and landowners can access the latest industry advice and opportunities.

According to experts speaking at the event, the many opportunities presented require careful consideration. “There generally isn’t one revenue stream that storage can use to create a viable business model – it’s more about tapping into multiple revenue streams and being creative about how you make the most of your asset,” says Madeleine Greenhalgh from the Electricity Storage Network.

“Co-locating storage with renewable generation is a prime way of making the most out of the energy generated. With the Feed-in Tariff due to close this year, farmers that can boost their self-consumption with storage will likely benefit in the short term,” she says. “The cost of lithium-ion storage is always coming down, so the next few years could see higher take up.

“If the treatment of storage becomes better tailored and understood by government and regulator, we would see a real increase in investor confidence in storage and there is still a great deal of excitement about what storage can do, with many predicting a very high level of growth,” adds Madeleine.

Madeleine Greenhalgh is speaking at Energy and Rural Business Show in the Energy Now expo Energy Storage Theatre on ‘growth prospects and market outlook for energy storage’ at 12:00 on Wednesday 6 February.

Whether it’s looking into storage opportunities, adding to existing schemes, looking at energy saving, or diversifying into new green energy projects, Energy and Rural Business Show is the one stop shop for the most innovative diversification initiatives available.

Energy Now Expo Energy Storage Theatre speakers and topics:

• Mark Newton, partner, Fisher German will speak on the subject of ‘What are the opportunities? A look at STOR and behind the meter options, including costs and income figures’
• Alexander Berland, senior policy advisor - Smart Energy, BEIS, will offer insight into ‘Smart Systems & Flexibility: electricity storage policy focus’
• Colum Ryan from Eco Mirage will present on hybrid storage - onsite use and export - getting the best of both worlds
• Chris Brown, head of core and emerging policy, Ofgem, will speak in the grid session about understanding the regulations, innovations and opportunities available
• Richard Molloy Business Development Manager – Energy Storage, Eaton, will offer guidance on selecting the right size of battery system for your home and/or business
• Hugh Taylor, CEO, Roadnight Taylor will present on ‘applying battery systems to existing renewable energy schemes’
• Madelaine Greenhalgh, policy lead at the Electricity Storage Network will update delegates on ‘growth prospects and market outlook for energy storage’
• Helen Sawdon, flexible power commercial officer, Western Power Distribution, will speak about the flexible power programme
• Kristina Rabecaite, business development manager at Limejump, will present on taking advantage of market volatility 
• David Hunt, CEO from Hyperion Search will chair the opportunities session
• Ray Noble, solar & storage advisor at the REA, will enlighten delegates on the integration of batteries for EV charging points and other smart systems

Farmers and landowners can pre-register to attend the free event today: http://www.energyandruralbusiness.co.uk/visit/register-to-visit