The Electricity Storage Network has submitted a detailed response to the government’s consultation on the Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES) cap and floor scheme. Informed by extensive member engagement and a specific member workshop, the response highlights key concerns regarding project eligibility, assessment transparency, and the need for clearer guidance and targets.
ESN members strongly support the development of a cap and floor mechanism, but have raised concerns over the lack of clarity on eligibility rules – particularly around grid connection dates and financial commitments – and the absence of a clear target capacity for the scheme’s first window. We recommend that Ofgem and DESNZ urgently provide more detailed guidance and set a clear capacity target, aligned with wider energy system planning processes.
The ESN also calls for a more transparent and consistent project assessment framework, with published scoring criteria, recognition of key system benefits (such as avoided network reinforcement and curtailment), and consideration of hybrid and co-located projects.
A full list of recommendations is included in our consultation response, which aims to ensure the scheme is accessible, fair and strategically aligned with Clean Power 2030 delivery. Our top five recommendations are included below.
A reminder that we have several Electricity Storage Network member working groups coming up – see our events page. And tickets are now available at an early bird rate for this year's ESN Annual Conference, taking place in November. Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are available – contact Olly.
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