EDF is part of a government-backed project alongside Landis+Gyr and LCP Delta to test how low-carbon technologies, such as EVs and heat pumps, can be used to enable flexibility and support the UK’s grid.
Working alongside smart energy system manufacturer Landis + Gyr, research consultancy LCP Delta and by tapping into expertise from the utility’s customer business, a research and development team from EDF will investigate solutions to absorb and store energy when there is an excess, enabling flexibility and helping to alleviate strain in the country’s electrical grid.
The partnership will look at how the use of new low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps, storage products and Electric Vehicles (EVs) could be supported by bespoke tariffs, reducing pressure on the grid and household bills.
The project will investigate these opportunities for both the short-term and in the future as part of potential Alternative Energy Market (AEM) scenarios of a future energy system.
This project received funding from the UK government’s Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, which provides funding for low-carbon technologies and systems.
Phase One of the project, a feasibility study looking into how lower-income households might be able to participate, has already started.
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Stuart Fenner, EDF Customers director of wholesale market services, commented on the project, tying it to the situation in the UK where, although the energy price cap has been lowered for the first time since the start of the energy crisis, it is “due to remain higher than pre-energy crisis levels” and in need of mechanisms to reduce bills.
Stated Fenner: “With a recent flexibility study carried out by National Grid finding that active households responding to price signals could help reduce peak energy demand by 23%, this project will be key in helping both our customers and the environment. And, by combining our energy market, customer supply and research and development expertise we are well placed, alongside our partners, to drive change.”
Nick Merricks, head of smart energy at Landis+Gyr, added: “We’re excited to be involved in this project, a vital part of the government’s AEM programme and a key enabler for the development of a smart and flexible energy system.
“Working with our consortium partners, we will help to pull technology through from the government’s Interoperable Demand Side Response (IDSR) project, proving that demand side flexibility can be secure, interoperable and support innovative domestic tariffs in accordance with open standards.
Andrew Turton, Head of Consultancy at LCP Delta, commented: “The energy transition brings a significant change to the interface between consumers and the energy system, where customers dynamically interact through flexibly managing their demand as well as generating and storing energy.
“Together, we aim to uncover ground-breaking approaches that optimise the utilisation of tariffs and pave the way for enhanced energy management. By leveraging this collaboration, we strive to contribute to the advancement of a more sustainable and efficient energy system.”
