National Grid & The Hornsea Battery

“We do not believe any group of men adequate enough or wise enough to operate without scrutiny or without criticism. We know that the only way to avoid error is to detect it, that the only way to detect it is to be free to inquire. We know that in secrecy error undetected will flourish and subvert”. – J Robert Oppenheimer.

This text discusses the issues surrounding battery storage and the National Grid in the context of wind power in the UK. The author, Paul Homewood, criticizes the National Grid for misleading the public about the effectiveness of batteries in dealing with wind energy intermittency. The Hornsea 3 project will have a capacity of 2. 9 GW, but the planned 600 MWh storage will only last for a mere 12 minutes when wind energy is absent. The real purpose of the storage is to stabilize the grid frequency due to the variability of wind energy, not to serve as a backup during power shortages.

Homewood argues that the costs associated with such storage options will not be covered by the companies like Oersted, but ultimately be passed on to the consumers. He expresses concern that the National Grid misrepresents these storage projects as solutions to the challenges posed by wind power reliability. Various comments highlight the high costs of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and their inefficiencies.

The text also mentions the significant waste of wind power in the UK due to the grid's inability to handle the excess energy, leading to over £1 billion in costs for turning off wind farms. Operators like SSE are being paid to not generate energy because the grid is not equipped to manage the increased output from expanded wind farms.

There is commentary about how energy systems often favor gas plants over wind farms when demand fluctuates, leading to wasted renewable energy. The contributors criticize the current energy policies, suggesting they are outdated and not in line with the country's renewable energy goals. Issues are raised regarding the safety and practicality of large battery systems, particularly related to their energy storage capacity and the potential dangers associated with battery malfunctions.

In conclusion, the continuing reliance on wind energy, without adequate infrastructure or battery storage that truly meets renewable energy needs, raises doubts about the UK's ability to achieve its net zero targets and effectively stabilize the energy grid, especially in the face of changing demand and supplies. The concerns reflect skepticism about the government’s energy strategies and the fundamental economics of transitioning to renewable energy sources. 

https://notalotofpeopleknowthat.wordpress.com/2024/12/01/national-grid-the-hornsea-battery/