A new government initiative, the Ultra-Long Duration Energy Storage (Ultra-LDES) Challenge, has been launched today, 20 August 2026. The challenge will provide £28 million in grants to develop technology that can store clean energy for more than 100 hours.
This funding, backed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), aims to reduce the UK's reliance on more expensive power sources, such as gas-fired generation, which currently fills gaps when wind and solar are not available. The goal is to protect the public from potential energy bill hikes and support lower energy bills in the long-term.
The challenge will focus on two main areas: developing new battery technologies capable of providing energy for over 100 hours and supporting the development and testing of systems for underground hydrogen storage. Science Minister Chris McDonald stated that unlocking the potential of science and innovation can improve lives, while Energy Minister Michael Shanks highlighted that homegrown clean energy is the route to more affordable bills and energy security.