Meeting Net Zero in 2050 Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): EIR release

Information requested

"Can you provide the figure of how much Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is needed in Scotland, whith regards meeting Net Zero in 2050. I am looking for the figure in Gigawatts."

Response

Whilst our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance some information has been provided in the form of an extract because the remainder of the information in that document does not fall within the scope of the request.

“National Grid ESO modelling from their Future Energy Scenarios (2024) suggests that to meet net zero, the GB system could require an increase of (short duration) electricity storage from today’s levels of 4.7 GW to 28 GW by 2030 and 36 GW by 2050. The modelling suggests that of this overall level, between 5.9-6.4 GW of (short duration) battery storage could be required in Scotland by 2030,
and between 6.4-7.6 GW by 2045.”

It may be helpful to know that since this information was created, the organisation referred to as “National Grid ESO” has been renamed "National Energy System Operator”.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.