New technologies to help combat the energy crisis

Testing is underway for technologies which could help better manage electricity use and accelerate the journey to net zero across the UK.

A cross-sector partnership, led by engineering testing service provider Resillion, has begun what is claimed to be the UK’s first demonstration of interoperable demand side response (DSR) and energy smart appliances (ESA).

DSR technologies are smart devices and platforms that allow consumers to change their energy usage in response to signals from the electricity grid, while ESA are internet connected devices, which can adjust electricity usage. This means these technologies could let consumers know when demand for electricity is lower, allowing their energy bills to drop and reducing stress on the grid.

The project will showcase interoperability across ecosystems formed of multiple devices and apps in real-world conditions to show the readiness of DSR systems to “seamlessly” integrate and contribute to the modern energy grid’s stability.

Bill Chard, energy business manager at Resillion, said: “Demand side response, and energy smart appliances, will be an important part of managing growing overall energy demand as the electrification of heat and transport grows over the coming years. Additionally, these technologies will enable consumers to better manage their energy usage and reduce costs.

“Our DSR demonstration lab is an important step in proving the interoperability between products from a range of manufacturers, within an ecosystem based on a new technology standard. The project will provide data that will indicate how real-world deployments will perform, and will inform the ongoing development of technology and policy in the energy sector.”

Resilion has partnered with Strathclyde University, Scottish Power and software testing firm QualityLogic to deliver the initiative.

The Glasgow-based academic institution is hosting the trial at its testing facility in Cumbernauld.

Launched in 2013, the Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC), is a whole energy systems research facility which focuses on de-risking and accelerating novel electricity, heat and transport systems that could contribute to the journey to net zero.

Scottish Power is providing real-world context and technical expertise along with QualityLogic, which is also contributing to the testing scheme.

It is claimed that the project is poised to set a new standard in the industry, showcasing the potential for these technologies to transform how energy is managed and help the UK reach its climate targets. The UK aims to reach net zero by 2050, five years later than Scotland.

Trials are being partly funded by the UK Government’s £1bn Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP), which looks to accelerate the commercialisation of low-carbon technologies and systems. 

Demonstrations, which began in August, mark phase three of the wider Interoperable Demand Side Response (IDSR) programme and bring together a range of smart appliances from international suppliers.

Launched in 2022, the almost £13m IDSR programme consists of three streams of work, to support the innovation, design, and demonstration of interoperable demand side response systems.

The programme is part of the £65m overarching Flexibility Innovation Programme, which sits within the NZIP.