New Challenge Launched to Store Clean Renewable Energy for Longer

The Ultra-Long Duration Energy Storage (Ultra-LDES) Challenge was launched on 20 August 2026.

It will offer grants to develop new technology for renewable energy storage, such as advanced batteries and underground hydrogen storage.

Backed by £28 million of public funding through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), bidders can apply for funding to develop projects capable of supplying clean electricity for 100 hours or more – enough to power homes and businesses for four days.

Cheaper Energy

Currently, wind and solar renewables are the cheapest ways to generate electricity in the UK.

A lack of wind or sunlight however means they are not always available, and the grid then draws on other technologies to deliver power, including from gas-fired generation. Reducing reliance on natural gas will bolster national energy security.

While the gas system will still play an important role for decades to come, improved energy storage will be a vital part of the transition to clean, homegrown energy as well as avoiding the effects of international supply chain issues.

Energy Storage

The Ultra-Long Duration Energy Storage Challenge aims to develop the next generation of energy storage tech. The new technology will be able to store clean energy when not needed by the grid, and release it when demanded.

This will reduce reliance on economically volatile energy sources like gas, helping to protect consumers from price spikes and support lower energy bills in the long-term.

Batteries and Hydrogen

The challenge will have two main areas of focus. The first will be the development of new battery technologies capable of providing energy for over 100 hours. These electrochemical technologies are yet to be commercialised at scale.

This gives the UK an opportunity to secure an early foothold in the market which will deliver new opportunities for businesses and unlock new jobs.

The second will develop and test systems which store hydrogen underground and release it when needed. It holds the potential to reduce total energy system costs by between £14 billion and £50 billion between 2035 and 2050.

New Technologies

As part of the Ultra-LDES Challenge, UKRI has also launched a competition offering up to £3 million to fund studies into electrochemical ultra-long duration energy storage technologies.

It could bring new battery technologies capable of delivering cost-effective electricity to the UK grid for 100 hours or more to market.

This launch completes the roll out of the £102 million clean energy challenges, which includes the Ultra-LDES challenge and the £74 million consumer-led flexibility challenge.

They will help fund new technologies that help shift electricity use to when it’s cheapest, so the system runs more efficiently and bills come down. It is part of the existing R&D Missions Accelerator Programme investing £500 million by 2030.

The launch comes as Ofgem consults on plans to support 16 long duration electricity storage projects.

See further details on the £3 million electrochemical technology focused Ultra Long Duration Energy Storage Project Development Studies competition, including how to apply.

The Ultra-LDES Challenge is part of the R&D Missions Accelerator Programme. Read more information on the R&D Missions Accelerator Programme.

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