Install batteries for renewable energy at National Grid transformers

Fossil fuels generate electricity on demand, whereas the supply of renewable energy varies depending on the weather. 

One current challenge with renewable energy is storing that excess energy produced when there is low demand, for when there is less output but high demand. 

READ MORE: More than 100 people in full-time work asked for help with homelessness last year

But batteries should be installed to store this energy, using the locations of National Grid transformers, according to Liberal Democrats in West Berkshire.

There are thousands of transformers across West Berkshire, which are used to convert electricty voltage to that which can be used in homes.

Because of the danger these are already in secure and safe locations, which councillors say would be a perfect site for the batteries.

READ MORE: Search for new football ground in Newbury will begin in the new year

Councillor Adrian Abbs (Lib Dem, Wash Common), said: “The challenge is that the energy is produced when we don’t need it, for example late at night from our wind farms. 

“The solution is a simple one. Use the National Grid’s well-placed transformer locations to not just transform the voltage but to become a grid of batteries that can store the excess generated at night for use in the day.

“These locations are secure enough and safe enough to easily take the technology.”

He has spoken to battery-maker Tesla to ensure the idea is viable, and energy supplier Octopus energy, who are ‘more than open to getting involved’. 

Cllr Abbs said: “For the icing on the Christmas cake, the whole thing pretty much pays for itself. The energy at night is often wasted and therefore very cheap, 4p per kilowatt hour, rather than a typical 15p per kilowatt hour.

“The difference in costs provide the return investment needed, with only the initial outlay being covered by money West Berks has already borrowed for commercial [property] investment.”

West Berkshire Council has borrowed £100 million to invest in commercial real estate — planning to use the rent paid to fund local public services. It has not yet spent all of that money, and reportedly has £35 million left. 

The new environment strategy — how the district can get to carbon neutral by 2030 — will be published as a draft in January. The public will have six weeks to tell the council their views on the strategy, before it will be voted on by the full council for approval. 

Cllr Abbs said many people during the general election campaign on the doorstep considered action on the environment as a priority. He said: “I wanted to let West Berkshire residents know that there are Lib Dem councillors who are doing their best to take action, and not just spout words.”