Your article “Green energy gets switched off as power systems fail to keep up” (February 27) correctly identifies curtailment costs — which could reach a staggering £6bn annually by 2030 — as one of the greatest inefficiencies in Britain’s energy system.
The solution isn’t slowing renewable deployment — it’s accelerating the rollout of battery energy storage systems (BESS). These systems can absorb excess generation during windy or sunny periods, storing it for release when demand rises.
This could have a game-changing effect in terms of solving the intermittency challenge. Earlier this year, our group Masdar unveiled a world-first project in Abu Dhabi, which combines solar and BESS to deliver
1 gigawatt of clean baseload power. Projects like these can transform the energy landscape by producing 24/7 renewable power supply at utility scale.
Yet in the UK, it is a different story. Deployment has been sluggish. Since 2021, when Masdar decided to invest £1bn in 3GWh of battery storage projects nationwide, progress has been stifled by systemic constraints.
From regulatory bottlenecks — including the classification of batteries as system constraints — to outdated grid policies, with connection queues held up by speculative, unviable “zombie” applications that prevent genuine projects from advancing. Many of our shovel-ready projects face a wait of more than 10 years until connection.
The government’s forthcoming Clean Power 2030 Action Plan will be crucial. However, timely decision-making and implementation are essential. Delays could hinder progress and investor confidence.
Strategic investors are ready to commit resources, but they need more constructive engagement with government, and a more conducive policy environment, which recognises the potential of BESS.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi
CEO of Masdar, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
