The UK government, through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), has launched the Ultra-Long Duration Energy Storage (Ultra-LDES) Challenge with £28 million in funding. This initiative, which began on August 20, 2026, seeks to reduce the UK's reliance on more expensive power sources and protect consumers from potential energy bill increases.
The challenge will offer grants to support the development of new energy storage technologies, including advanced batteries and systems for underground hydrogen storage. UK innovators are invited to bid for funding for projects that can supply clean electricity for 100 hours or more, which is sufficient to power homes and businesses for at least four days.
Currently, wind and solar are the most affordable ways to generate electricity in the UK, but their availability can be inconsistent. Improved energy storage is considered a vital part of the transition to clean, homegrown energy, which could help shield the UK from international supply chain issues and address the climate crisis. Science Minister Chris McDonald stated that unlocking the potential of science and innovation can improve lives, and this challenge aims to use UK scientific expertise to benefit people.
The Ultra-LDES Challenge is part of the broader £102 million clean energy challenges, which also includes the £74 million consumer-led flexibility challenge. UKRI has also launched a separate competition offering up to £3 million for studies into electrochemical ultra-long duration energy storage technologies.