Over the next 15 years, we project total installed BESS capacity to increase from 4 GW to over 50 GW, equivalent to around a third of the installed renewable capacity. The increase in installed energy capacity will be even steeper - increasing from 5.7 GWh to 225 GWh, as longer-duration batteries come online

In this article, we look at the evolving investment case for batteries of different durations, as well as the practical limitations on buildout rates.

This article is the fourth in our GB BESS Outlook series, looking at how battery energy storage capacity could increase based on the business case presented in our previous article. We had previously also looked at major markets that batteries operate in and how they are optimized within these to maximize revenues. These pieces are summarized within our Executive Summary.

14 GW of new battery capacity is in the pipeline for delivery before 2028

In the short term, Modo’s GB Battery Pipeline Report determines battery buildout in the central scenario. This pipeline is based on batteries currently in development that hold Capacity Market or Pathfinder contracts, which they are required to begin delivering within the next three years.

The largest battery in Great Britain today, in terms of power rating, is 100 MW. However, of the 14 GW in the pipeline over the next four years, over half of this comes from systems of at least 200 MW in size.