MDES

As the energy system evolves, the need for medium-duration energy storage (MDES) — systems that can store energy for several hours to a few days — has become increasingly important. Technologies such as pumped hydro, compressed-air energy storage (CAES), direct thermal storage, pumped thermal storage and advanced batteries all have a role to play.

The MDES programme, run by the Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) and the University of Nottingham Energy Institute, brings together researchers, industry leaders and policymakers to explore how these technologies can support a flexible, reliable and low-carbon energy system. Alongside assessing technical performance, discussions focus on how these storage options fit within the wider energy system, what kinds of policy support are needed, and how they can become commercially viable at scale.

MDES events have featured detailed sessions on CAES, pumped hydro, pumped thermal energy storage and system modelling, plus discussions on market and policy challenges. This page provides access to event presentations, video recordings and summary reports of all the events we have run on MDES.

For more information about Medium Duration Energy Storage, or if you have any questions about this subject, please email enquiries@era.ac.uk