The need to investigate the role of electrical energy storage has been identified at governmental level. The Parliamentary Renewable and Sustainable Energy Group (PRASEG) inquiry into ‘Renewables and the grid: access and management’ cites storage as a ‘possible solution for addressing variable renewable energy generation’ and highlights the need for ‘Long- term, further research and development’ and ‘clear political and regulatory signals. In the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan (HM Government, 2009) storage is included in the list of key elements of a UK smart grid.

• Economic assessment with respect to traditional reinforcement options

• Identification of appropriate locations for energy storage systems

• Consideration of most appropriate sizes and capacities for energy storage systems

• Determine appropriate operating strategies for energy storage systems

• Understand the effects of operating strategies on the ageing of the energy storage systems

• Evaluate the current and future value of operating an energy storage system to generate revenue through energy market arbitrage

• Investigate the regulatory issues surrounding the ownership of energy storage systems by DNOs.