Britain‘s local energy flexibility market has reached a milestone, with network operators tendering a record 6.4GW of capacity last year, of which 4GW was contracted.
The figures, compiled by the Energy Networks Association (ENA), highlight the success of the Open Networks Programme launched a year ago.
This programme introduced three new work streams aimed at improving access to local flexibility markets.
By fostering closer collaboration with industry, the programme has effectively lowered barriers to market entry, resulting in a doubling of contracted flexibility within one year.
Additionally, for the second consecutive year, around 75% of the contracted flexibility comprises low carbon technologies such as stored energy, solar and biofuel.
These technologies are vital to the UK’s efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by optimising network capacity usage.
They release power during peak demand and store it during lower demand periods, facilitating the integration of more low carbon technologies like wind power.
Dr Avi Aithal, Head of Open Networks at ENA, said: “This is a great achievement for the UK’s energy networks and it’s a clear testament to their commitment to deliver best value to consumers.
“Though today’s statistics once again make Great Britain the biggest flexibility market in the world, we are continuing to deliver at pace.”
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