Previous Energy Storage Summit Agenda

After a whirlwind year of new decarbonisation policies, energy-security strategies and beneficial subsidies, this opening session will enlighten the audience on the pathway to European electric market design reform. Our opening interview will highlight changing market structures, intervention, and implications for energy storage. Can the many different support mechanisms being discussed really help give storage the boost it desperately needs?

The European Union's groundbreaking Battery Passport initiative is set to revolutionise the energy storage industry by introducing transparency, traceability, and sustainability standards for batteries. This panel will delve into the profound implications of Battery Passports on the energy storage sector, exploring how this innovative concept will reshape the industry, influence business strategies, and drive advancements in technology and sustainability.

As the power system transitions towards renewable energy, the shift from synchronous to variable inverter-based resources unravels intricate technical challenges, particularly concerning system inertia and short circuit levels. Market structures are adapting to incentivise technologies, acknowledging the need for essential support in stabilising the grid. Within this dynamic, Grid Forming Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) emerges as a unique player. Beyond mere stabilisation, BESS becomes an enabler of value generation for both system operators and consumers, offering a diverse range of services. In exploring the subtleties of this shift, we recognise the necessity for a holistic approach—a journey that extends beyond immediate challenges towards a harmonious integration of renewable energy.

In such a fast-paced industry, keeping an ear to the ground is fundamental to staying ahead of the game. Key players must stay abreast of which markets are up and coming, which technology is bankable and investor-friendly or which business case is best. Diversification is also key to enabling the market to flourish. This session will take a birds-eye view of what to consider in scenarios like:

• Planning growth strategies and making a play in new markets
• What can you do to ensure the best ROI for your storage asset?
• Optimisation tools and strategies - how to account for varying revenue strategies
• Is lithium-ion still the dominant player in 2024?

• What do investors see on the horizon for energy storage portfolio acquisitions?
• Will the appetite for energy storage continue to surge or do we expect it to plateau globally?
• Which markets are most interesting for investors?
• Technology choices and their role in making projects more or less appetising

Although very rare, recent energy storage fires are prompting manufacturers and project developers to ask serious questions about how to design safer projects. Code requirements and fire detection systems vary between manufacturers and regions, meaning compliant battery energy storage system design and permitting packages are important to ensure projects are as safe as possible. What can and should be done to ensure that projects are safe?

As a follow-on breakout session, which markets should the industry be looking to for future growth? Our market-focused roundtables have proved immensely popular in the past. With energy storage taking off across the continent, we will host 10 interactive sessions which will take place simultaneously, allowing delegates to get up close and personal with the experts. Each table will be hosted by someone with deep expertise in the subject matter, alongside an investor or developer who has first-hand insight and experience in that market. Markets include:

• Ireland
• The UK
• Italy
• Spain
• Poland
• Germany
• The Nordics (Denmark, Norway, Sweden)
• The USA
• Australia

 

This opening address will explore the UK’s progress towards a fully renewable, electric economy, and the steps needed to ensure the country’s energy infrastructure can deliver a decarbonised future,  lower bills and provide energy security, drawing upon the recommendations to government in the Commission’s second National Infrastructure Assessment.

This session will look at some specific outcomes and policy strengths for the UK market in detail, including the evolution of the capacity market, Locational Marginal Pricing, REMA and other important areas.

An interview with key stakeholders in the UK who will shed light on the roadmap for connection policies and plans, the current grid connection landscape and what solutions are in place at ESO and DSO level.

This follow-on discussion will go into detail on the next steps for much-needed connections policy reform in the UK, including longer-term solutions such as:

• The potential shift to batch-processing connections and how this will be seen to work in the UK
• The phase-out of the ‘first-come-first-serve’ approach and the new powers of the ESO to remove 'zombie' projects from the queue
• Planning permission as a prerequisite and the impact on developers
• GB setting the precedent and lessons we can learn from other countries on this front

Learn about how the Univers fleet monitoring solution for utility scale BESS redefines energy storage management with an integrated solution for monitoring and asset performance of BESS from any OEM or Integrator. This cloud based solution seamlessly combines advanced technology and analytics, offering real-time insights into the health and commercial effectiveness of energy storage systems. Using predictive analytics, it empowers proactive maintenance, minimizing downtime and optimizing overall fleet performance in trading markets. In combination with the Univers offering for site SCADA and EMS/PPC it works seamlessly to optimise day-to-day operations and maximise revenues.  

The GB market has led BESS growth in Europe, but Germany & Italy are set to accelerate. This presentation will address the investment opportunity in what are likely to be Europe’s next two big storage growth markets:

• Factors driving BESS investment momentum in DE & IT
• How the DE & IT investment cases differ from GB
• Revenue stack breakdowns for DE & IT
• Market access, offtake & financing
• Key investment risks

After the final networking break on Day Two, while some targeted breakout sessions continue, we invite all delegates to unwind and enjoy a casual 'Happy Hour' session, sponsored by Rimac. Sip and socialise as you wind down with a drink until 5.30pm.    

This presentation explores the transformative potential of Huawei's large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in shaping the future of grid flexibility and resilience. The core focus encompasses the fundamental design principles governing Huawei's BESS products, emphasizing their efficiency, adaptability, and robustness. The modular design of Huawei's BESS is examined, highlighting its role in optimizing performance, scalability, and maintenance. The discussion delves into the intricate realm of refined energy management within Huawei's BESS, elucidating how the system orchestrates the interplay between energy production, storage, and distribution for seamless power delivery. Safety and reliability functions are scrutinized, showcasing the advanced features and fail-safe mechanisms that underpin Huawei's commitment to ensuring a secure and reliable energy storage infrastructure. Looking towards the future, the presentation offers insights into the next-generation upgrades in Huawei's BESS technology, providing a glimpse into the evolving landscape of energy storage and grid management. Finally, the narrative underscores the critical importance of proactive safety measures in assuring the integrity of assets connected to the grid, elucidating how a robust safety framework contributes to the overall reliability of the energy infrastructure. Please note that this session is an invite-only workshop.

Power systems challenges such as loss of inertia and grid strength revolve around the increasing integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, and the transition towards more distributed generation. Regulatory frameworks and market structures may need to evolve to incentivize the provision of grid services such as inertia, frequency control, and voltage support. In this aspect, grid forming is the key technology to establish and maintain grid stability and voltage regulation without relying on an external grid, in addition to islanding capability, transient response and power quality enhancement. Pilot projects around the globe have implemented Huawei's Grid forming solution, showcasing its ability to enhance grid stability.     Please note that this session is an invite-only workshop.

We are very excited to host our first Working Group at the Energy Storage Summit this year, with support from the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) and other key stakeholders. During this hour-long session, you can expect to:

• Hear more from UK experts on where they see the biggest gaps in the UK energy storage sector currently, focusing on specific workstreams and topics
• Answer key questions around the current and future direction of energy storage in the UK
• Interact with and speak directly to leaders and innovators in the sector
• Leave the working group with clear, actionable points and direct contacts who can help you to achieve changes that are needed

The session will cover workstreams/topics including:

• Market access and evolution (inc. Capacity Market, Balancing Mechanism)
• Long Duration Energy Storage (inc. LDES Cap & Floor consultation)
• Innovation support (inc. future innovation activity and focus areas)
• Development and deployment of storage assets (inc. planning, permitting, grid connections, supply chains)

Please note that this session will follow Chatham House rules. We would like to remind all participants that this is an interactive workshop where we value input from everybody – so please get involved to get the most out of this session!

We are delighted to partner with ReWiRE, Regen's vibrant network for women in clean energy, to run an in-person speed mentoring session at the Summit. With usually just two intakes a year, this storage speed-mentoring special will specifically aim to raise the profile of women in the storage sector. If you are interested in becoming a mentee, please get in touch with lucy@solarmedia.co.uk for more information. To get more information on the opportunity, please visit our dedicated information page.