• Hybrid clean energy hubs which co-locate multiple low carbon generation technologies offer a promising solution to easing grid connection bottleneck, according to report from Cornwall Insight
• An energy hub combining three technologies could maximise energy transferred to the grid via the network connection, generating over 50% of the time, compared to just 11% for solar and 30-35% for wind power.
• Technologies considered for hybrid energy hubs include battery storage, solar power and onshore wind.

A new report from Cornwall Insight, commissioned by Telis Energy UK, has highlighted the role that hybrid clean energy hubs (”HEHs”) can play in the UK reaching economy-wide net zero emissions by 2050. The report details how hybrid energy hubs, using multiple different low carbon generation technologies, help homes and businesses to decarbonise using low-cost, clean energy.

HEHs will co-locate multiple clean energy sources, using one grid connection to effectively deliver energy to the grid. This approach has been developed in response to a lack of grid capacity in Great Britain, with industry and policymakers acknowledging this could impact the speed of the UK’s transition to net zero.

The research shows that by co-locating multiple technologies behind one grid connection, these hubs could deliver better economies of scale compared to having multiple individual connections. These cost savings could be passed on to energy consumers via a more competitive wholesale price, reduced balancing costs, and a reduced impact on socialised network costs. Another key finding is that HEHs maximise the total energy transferred via one connection, both easing grid capacity and reducing total land utilised and minimising disruption to communities.

Cornwall Insight’s Report “Market Review of Hybrid Energy Hubs” assesses the profiles of battery storage, solar, and onshore wind, including a forward look at other options including small modular reactors and hydrogen production and storage being considered. The report found potential synergies between the technologies under consideration, supporting the principle of their capability of sharing a grid connection with a suitable balance of technologies onsite to ensure maximising exportable renewable generation.

The report identified a new approach to financing will be needed to support multiple technologies in one hub and highlights the need for clarity from the UK Government in areas such as REMA and connections reform which will be critical to ensuring that HEHs can deliver on their promising potential impact on the UK’s energy grid.