The Renewable Energy Association (REA) has launched two new trade groups to represent the solar and storage industries respectively.
UK Solar and UK Energy Storage will begin work immediately with the REA’s existing members.
“Solar power is one of the first major renewable energy technologies set to compete with traditional energy sources without subsidy,” said Dr Nina Skorupska, chief executive, REA. “The integration of solar as a major player in the UK energy mix will transform the power market. Businesses, households and the public sector will see their energy bills reduced. It is the mission of UK Solar to support and drive the transition to this solar future,” she said.
While less developed than the solar industry, the REA said energy storage offered huge potential to stabilise the country’s energy system during its decarbonisaton.
“The potential for energy storage to transform the UK energy mix is immense,” said Ray Noble, senior advisor, REA. “Through representing all types and scale storage technologies the REA will drive the commercialisation of viable storage solutions in the UK. The integration of storage technologies will bring down costs and increase the capacity of renewable energy available on demand, which could revolutionise the energy mix,” said Noble.