A new cross-sector consortium has announced it will investigate the role of a flexible energy system in achieving a net zero economy in Britain.
The ‘Flexibility in Great Britain’ project, led by the Carbon Trust and supported by Imperial College, will conduct in-depth analysis based on modelling, research and stakeholder interviews to investigate how different sources of flexibility across the heat, transport and power sectors can reduce overall system costs to consumers.
The work will also explore the business models required to deliver an integrated flexible system.
It builds on previous Carbon Trust research which identified that the cost of a future energy system in Britain could be reduced by £40 billion with greater flexibility and the implementation of storage.
The project’s findings will be published in early 2021 and are expected to inform energy system stakeholders and policy makers’ work on net zero commitments, heat decarbonisation pathways and the rapid transition to low emission transport options.
The consortium represents a broad range of organisations across the energy system including: Bryt Energy, EDF Energy, the Greater London Authority, the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers, SBM Offshore, Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks, SP Energy Networks, Statera Energy, UK Power Networks, and Western Power Distribution.
The consortium will engage with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Ofgem, the Committee on Climate Change, the National Infrastructure Commission and National Grid throughout the project.
Imperial College London will lead on advanced energy systems modelling.
Carbon Trust director Andrew Lever commented: “Significant action and investment are required to transition our energy system to help achieve net zero emissions for the UK economy by 2050.
“As the focus moves towards the decarbonisation of heat and transport sectors, it is essential that new sources of flexibility are explored to ensure the shift to net zero is achieved at lowest cost.”
Established in 2001, the Carbon Trust works with businesses, governments and institutions around the world, helping them contribute to, and benefit from, a more sustainable future through carbon reduction and commercialising low carbon technologies.