Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES)
As renewable generation continues to grow, the challenge of balancing supply and demand intensifies. Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) provides the flexibility needed to deliver reliable, low-carbon power when it’s needed most. At Root-Power, we help developers, businesses, and grid operators unlock the potential of LDES to build a more resilient energy system.
What is LDES?
LDES refers to energy storage technologies capable of storing electricity for extended periods, typically beyond four hours, and in some cases up to days or even weeks. Unlike short-duration batteries, LDES plays a critical role in bridging seasonal and daily gaps in renewable generation.
LDES vs BESS
| Feature | 🔋 BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) | 🌍 LDES (Long Duration Energy Storage) |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Duration | 1–4 hours | 8+ hours to several days or weeks |
| Primary Role | Fast response, short-term balancing, frequency regulation | Long-term energy shifting, seasonal balancing, prolonged resilience |
| Best Suited For | Daily cycling, peak shaving, short-term trading | Covering renewable gaps, reducing curtailment, ensuring energy security |
| Technology | Predominantly lithium-ion batteries | Flow batteries, thermal, mechanical, hydrogen, compressed air, others |
| Commercial Model | Revenue stacking in short-duration markets | Unlocks new markets such as seasonal flexibility and capacity |
| System Value | Optimises day-to-day grid performance | Enables deep decarbonisation and high renewable penetration |
Root-Power’s Approach to LDES
As an IPP, we specialise in unlocking the full value of LDES projects through:
- Strategically Identified Sites – Locations are targeted which require support from LDES.
- In-House Expertise – Our team have strong capabilities from project design to delivery, all managed internally.
- Tailored System Design – All our LDES sites use specific engineering solutions around current market and the project requirements.
- Optimisation Platform – Integration with our energy management platform to maximise performance and revenues.
Why LDES Matters
- Grid Stability – Smooths fluctuations from wind and solar.
- Decarbonisation – Enables higher penetration of renewables.
- Resilience – Provides backup during supply shortages or outages.
- Affordability – Reduces relience on costly fossil-fuel peaking plants.
As the UK and global markets push towards net zero, LDES will be central to delivering clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy at scale.
What Makes Root-Power Unique?
LDES is an emerging but critical technology, and choosing the right partner ensures projects are technically and commercially robust. Root-Power combines innovation with proven expertise to help our projects unlock the full potential of long-duration storage.
