Innovation
The Smart Systems and
Heat Programme looks at
retrofit energy services
energy services. Across the UK, we are
looking at new ways to deliver low carbon
energy to consumers.
Most people do not understand energy
bills with heating sold as a commodity in
kilowatt hours. Instead, our new Smart
Systems and Heat (SSH) programme is
exploring new ways to deliver heat as a
service. This is a disruptive approach and
looks at how to de-carbonise the way we
heat our homes in the future. We are
creating new markets and opportunities
to develop the technologies, technicians
and services needed to deliver it.
How do local parks fit into this
nationwide approach?
Our energy sector is currently changing
from a centralised system to a very
decentralised energy system, where
local energy planning from regions,
cities and rural areas is key to successful
whole systems infrastructure. Like
Local Authorities, Science Parks are
essential local stakeholders within the
national network and, while there is no
governmental stipulation to deliver local
energy plans, there is funding available
for local enterprise partnerships to
begin the consideration process. Our
EnergyPath Networks project within SSH
gathers and analyses data, such as energy
demand and supply. It maps the impact
of future growth on local energy
systems and develops pathways for a
cost-effective, local, low-carbon energy
transition. The system is currently being
tested in Newcastle, Greater Manchester,
and Bridgend in South Wales.
Anyone seeking advice on energy
s e r v i c e i n t e g r at i o n c a n j o i n th e
S m a r t S y s t e m s & H e at P r o g r a m m e
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Is this all about new builds or will it
look at retrofitting?
In the UK, 80% of homes already built
will still be here in 2050, and one million
homes a year need to be converted to
low-carbon heating by 2025. The SSH
programme works with a wide range of
partners, including SMEs, to look at how
delivering energy as a service may help
deliver low-carbon retrofitting. It’s a lot
of work, but we are keen to develop a
consumer-focused world to ensure
that innovation works for everyone –
including those in fuel poverty. This is
the real challenge, and we have a lot of
very clever people working on it.
How can I find out how my own
company can get involved?
Anyone seeking advice on the integration
of their own service or technology into
the future energy system is encouraged to
contact the Business Development team
at the Energy Systems Catapult. ■
For more information on how you can take
part in the SSH programme and other
Catapult whole-energy systems initiatives
please contact business.development@
es.catapult.org.uk