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From the south east of England to the far northern archipelago, the schemes aim to prove that smarter local energy systems can deliver cleaner and cheaper energy services than conventional networks.
Led by the European Marine Energy Centre, Reflex Orkney aims to create a “first-of-its-kind virtual energy system interlinking local electricity, transport and heat networks into one controllable, overarching system”. It will include cutting-edge technology such as domestic and large-scale batteries, vehicle-to-grid chargers and flexible heating systems.
A government announcement said: “The project aims to create a ‘smart energy island’, demonstrating the energy system of the future, which will reduce and eventually eliminate the need for fossil fuels.”
In Oxford, the Energy Superhub will install the ‘world’s first’ transmission-connected lithium-ion and redox-flow battery. It has already identified 41 other sites for potential applications.
The project will also create a network of 320 ground-source heat pumps focused on social housing, including smart controls, and energy forecasting software to manage battery degradation.
Reflex Orkney and the Energy Superhub Oxford are two of four projects aimed at delivering “cleaner, cheaper and more resilient energy” while also creating jobs. They will receive £102.5m funding from UK Research and Innovation’s Prospering from the Energy Revolution Challenge.
“We all need energy systems that are cheaper, cleaner and consumer-friendly,” said deputy challenge director Rob Saunders. “We have a great opportunity with these demonstrators to show just how innovation can deliver this energy ambition for the future.”
Also in Oxfordshire, the “community-centric” Project Leo will create a flexible distribution network, while Smart Hub SLES in West Sussex will integrate energy management and introduce technologies including a hybrid hydrogen-electric vehicle filling station.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.