To fully understand the challenges of energy decarbonisation in the domestic and light commercial sectors there is a need to capture the broad range of research previously undertaken. This is needed to secure our knowledge of current thinking and identify knowledge gaps across a range of agreed topics. This knowledge enables the InTEGReL Customer Energy Village to be utilised more meaningfully to drive out new approaches, technologies, solutions and business models that accelerate and underpin the route to Net Zero.
Objectives
To produce a final report that contains a comprehensive coverage of and recommendations across the following:
- Detailed gap analysis on how InTEGReL: CEV can be unique in meeting existing and future research needs.
- Benefit analysis of InTEGReL: CEV from a local and wider UK perspective
- Science perspective on the role of hydrogen as a decarbonising agent in future energy mix, its merits and limitations.
- Current perspectives on large scale building fabric retrofits and its impact on energy demand and utility planning
- What policies / white paper may assist in accelerating the realisation of Net Zero energy systems.
- How future research conducted through InTEGReL: CEV can be unique.
- What infrastructure (digital and energy-wise) is needed to support decarbonisation research
- Identification of key consumer benefits through InTEGReL CEV and subsequent research activities.
- Determine likely impacts of significant heat provision transferring to the electrical grid via different heat solutions. [linked to NPg heat modelling and analysis NIA]
Learnings
Outcomes
This was a literature review exploring what research has been undertaken to date across a range of areas. The outputs from the investigation are a series of recommendations which are now being factored into future research programmes at the university, which NGN will be collaborating on to blending low TRL academic research with higher TRL network innovation.
This will drive fast delivery of solutions for our customers and begin to shape our future innovation strategy and broader business plan for RIIO-3.
Lessons Learnt
This report feeds into a wider project development plan through Newcastle University to create a research programme which explores more deeply the issues identified. The University are acting on the recommendations and working in collaboration with NGN to align our Innovation programme at the InTEGReL CEV facility with their research. We also work closely with colleagues at Northern Powergrid and wider stakeholders to identify additional opportunities to ensure we have a broad range of views to support the future innovation pathway.
The project included a literature review to identify where research has already been undertaken and where there are gaps. The methods used were established academic approaches and as such well tested and proven to be sound.
NGN see the use of literature reviews such as this as an important first stage to underpin future innovation activity. It aligns to our innovation strategy and provides clear line of sight to those areas of research that remain under explored and which would deliver best value to our business and our customers.
In this project NGN engaged with Newcastle University, an academic institute we have worked with successfully over several years. Their expertise in the specific areas of research required, exploiting the National Centre for Energy Systems Integration has provided a valuable report resource to secure future innovation against. Their work has led to Newcastle university developing four separate and entirely new programmes of research which they will seek funding for, all of which align to the areas of focus for NGN through GD2.
This collaborative approach with the university and wider InTEGReL partner to shape this NIA project was viewed as very successful.
