Projections of Energy Storage in Future High Renewable Electrical Energy Systems

Electrical supply industries world-wide are facing major challenges in moving towards net zero CO2 generation scenarios. The base source and volume of energy conversion implicating clear logistical and financial constraints and considerations. The changes in electrical energy supply in the UK over the past 30 years are interesting as they give an insight into what can be achieved in a relatively short period of time when faced with what seems an insurmountable problem. This paper reviews the supply of electrical energy in the UK and projections made in 2009 towards mid-century. It then compares these predictions with actual data from UK governmental statistics for the ten years from 2009 to 2019. Industry energy projections from 2019 to 2050 for four case study scenarios are then presented, the last case being related to a 60% market penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) by 2050. These studies are further projected to consider the case for 100% EV penetration by 2050. Finally, the role of electrical energy storage is discussed, and energy estimates proposed for both the 60 and 100% EV scenarios.