Our new dedicated UK range is tailored to meet British installation requirements. Every product is designed to make every installers job easier. A complete range that fits right into your daily work – because that‘s exactly what we built it for. For more information on this range visit www.ledvance.co.uk
8
In order to facilitate the EV revolution, we need to make sure our charging infrastructure is reliable – and that means ensuring it can weather a power quality storm.
12 Energy Storage
Planning has long been a problem for those in the electrical industry, but could the upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill finally solve some of our issues?
18 Power
Alex Howison, Development Director at Eclipse Power Optimise, explores the rising trend of ‘growing your own power’.
22 Sustainability
Could the UK fail to meet its net zero goals? That’s the warning from the ECA’s Andrew Eldred if the UK doesn’t train and retain skilled electricians.
24 Test & Measurement
Timothy Holman, Head of Operations at TEAM Energy, believes that Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) could be a game-changer – find out why.
26 Building Services
The technology we integrate into our buildings is quickly becoming a useful tool to balance the grid, as the OpenADR Alliance’s, Don Dulchinos, explores.
Editor’s
COMMENT
Race to the bottom
Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States, once claimed that democracy was a disease – and while I’m an avid fan of living in a democratic country where I get a say in who governs – I can also admit that it’s possible that he wasn’t entirely wrong.
The problem with democracy is that those who govern need to be reelected, or those in opposition, need to find some way to differentiate themselves to ensure that they get a taste of power at the next election. That inevitably leads to short-term decision making that pleases the populace, but maybe doesn’t fix some of the core issues.
If you’ve heard the term ‘political football’, then there’s no better example than net zero. It’s something that we all agree needs to be achieved, but can never decide the right course of action in actually achieving it. We want to live cleaner lives, but we also don’t really want to change what we’re currently doing – it’s the epitome of wanting to have your cake, and to eat it too.
While the UK’s Conservative Government agreed in 2019 to legally commit to achieving net zero by 2050, Kemi Badenoch, the party’s new leader, has now stated that meeting the 2050 target is ‘impossible’. She has also declared that her party would no longer look to meet that deadline, despite previously describing it as ‘crucial’ during her time as a Government Minister.
The Conservative Party has been trying to win back voters from Reform UK, the party that has proposed to scrap net zero altogether, going so far as to label renewable energy as a ‘massive con’. The irony is that some of the very voices denouncing net zero have also embraced green solutions for their own private ventures. That contradiction underscores a deeper truth: green technologies are demonstrably costeffective and profitable in well-planned, well-supported settings.
In fact, rather than being a ‘massive con’, net zero has major benefits to the UK – especially in terms of the economy. Between 2023 and 2024, the net zero economy generated £83.1 billion in GVA. Crucially, for every £1 of value created by net zero activities, an additional £1.89 ripples through the wider economy.
Rather than rolling back our ambitions or abandoning net zero, we should be looking at what more can be done. Data from Energy UK and Oxford Economics suggests an accelerated transition would boost the UK’s economy by £240 billion come 2050, with private investment increasing by £165 billion – not bad for an economy that is struggling with growth right now.
Don’t get me wrong, there are some major issues to be fixed, such as upgrading the grid for our net zero future, and that’s not going to come cheap. But let’s not forget, rising energy bills are not caused by our drive to net zero, but from our dither and delay approach to infrastructure investment.
So, in the words of Alexander Hamilton, or at least his character in the hit Broadway musical, let’s not throw away our shot at net zero.
Jordan O’Brien, Editor
MANAGING EDITOR
Jordan O’Brien
jordano@sjpbusinessmedia.com
DESIGN & DIGITAL PRODUCTION
Rob Castles
robc@sjpbusinessmedia.com
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
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GROUP COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
Fidi Neophytou
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MARKETING MANAGER
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PUBLISHER
Wayne Darroch
Printing by Buxton
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Introducing the EOSII Extensible 3200A* Feeder Pillar from ESE Ltd
Where space is a premium Engineered Systems (Electrical) Ltd has the answer, introducing The New EOSII a range of extensible outdoor ACB cabinets and Feeder Pillars.
The New EOSII was first launched at The ALL Energy Show back in May 2024 and was very well received from all sectors of industry.
Flexibility is the key word associated with the EOSII, whether you are feeding EV Chargers, connecting to Renewable Energy sources or using it as a Distribution Feeder Pillar, the EOSII adapts to ALL situations.
The EOSII has been tested to IEC 61439-2020
Main Busbars rated at 3200A and certified to IP33, it can be directly coupled to a distribution transformer or free standing, but the unique feature is that it is fully extensible!
By adding an additional ACB the EOSII can provide a generator change over system, either manual or automatic, for embedded or standby generation.
Major features:
• Main Bus Bars Tested at 3200A*
• Compact in design
• ACB’s from 800 to 3200A* 3 & 4 pole
• Feeder Pillar devices up to 630A 3 & 4 pole
• Tiered security, all external doors and internal devices are lockable for additional security
• All incoming and outgoing devices can be separately metered
• Generous cabling area for larger cables
• Outdoor as well as indoor usage
• Separate Metering Cubicle housing Type 1&2 Surge Protection and RTU options
The innovative design with respect to the addition of extra units, means that the EOSII can be extended with more devices without the need to replace the original unit for a larger one, saving crucial downtime!
The EOSII compliments other services that ESE Ltd are able to provide, these are as detailed below
Independent Connections Provider (ICP)
ESE Ltd have been a NERS registered ICP since 2012 for voltages up to 33,000V. We have recently been accredited & authorised to carry out the final connections onto the Northern Powergrid network up to 20kV.
We are incredibly proud to be one of only a few companies to be authorised for High Voltage Self Connect in both Northern Powergrid regions.
Transformers & Switchgear
We specialise in the supply of a comprehensive range of transformers. They undergo in-house testing from our engineers to guarantee quality, reliability, and compliance with industry standards. To provide our customers with complete peace of mind, we include a 12-month warranty from the date of energisation as standard.
We also supply a large range of High Voltage Switchgear options, which are designed for safety, efficiency and durability to suit our customer’s needs.
On Site Services
From the initial enquiry to completion, ESE Ltd are able to carry out all aspects of the project which includes,
• Dedicated management team throughout the entire project.
• Feasibility Studies, HV & LV Protection & Grading Studies along with Earthing Studies
• Delivery, Off-loading, Positioning, Testing and Commissioning of all High Voltage Equipment.
• Supply, Installation, Jointing of both HV & LV cabling.
• In house civil teams able to take care of necessary trenching and sub-station base construction.
Maintenance and SAP Duties
• ESE Ltd offer High Voltage Maintenance Contracts to every sector of industry.
• Customers who sign a Maintenance Contract have peace of mind that not only are they complying with current legislation but also have access to dedicated engineers for emergency call outs and breakdowns.
* - Currently ESE are working on obtaining Certification for 5000A rated busbars and ACB’s.
Net zero relies on EV infrastructure capable of weathering a power quality storm
Protecting EV charging infrastructure from power surges and harmonics is critical if we want to keep drivers confident and our net zero goals on track, as John Mitchell, Global Sales and Marketing Director at CP Automation, explains.
According to Zap-Map, there are already over 75,000 publicly accessible EV chargepoints out there in the wild right now, and while that infrastructure is sitting there waiting to be used – time will tell whether it can handle the high number of EVs expected to hit UK roads in the coming years.
An analysis by the RAC Foundation found that there were almost one million pure battery electric cars, vans and taxis on UK roads at the end of December 2023. With the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2035, it’s clear that EV sales will increase dramatically.
EV charging increases demand for electricity, especially during peak hours. Meanwhile, increasing the number of stations can introduce risks like power losses and voltage lags when a station demands more power than residential loads. If we’re to electrify UK transportation, we must protect this infrastructure from the influx of vehicles and ensure uninterrupted access to charging stations.
Any prolonged delays caused by overloading the system and other power issues would limit the mobility of hundreds of thousands of drivers, making them hesitant to embark on long journeys. Over time, this could put drivers off EVs and harm public confidence – something that we can’t afford to happen if we want to reduce emissions.
Smooth charging, stable power
EV charger reliability is key to encouraging faster adoption of EVs as we approach 2035 – drivers must be able to find physical charge points that actually work and aren’t out of commission, and have the mobile network connectivity needed to access the charger. As more EVs come onto our roads, we must prepare for the rise in demand for electricity and support the integration of charging equipment into the grid without overloading it or causing disruptions.
Charging stations rely on conversion technologies such as inverters, which can introduce harmonic distortions into the grid. With multiple EVs charging simultaneously, these distortions can escalate, particularly as ultra-fast charging stations – designed to cut charging times – become more widespread. The higher power drawn from the grid in shorter bursts increases the likelihood of disruptive harmonics.
EV chargers also generate supraharmonics – voltage and current waveform distortions in the 2-150 kHz range. These arise from the switching frequencies of power electronic converters and pose a unique challenge to both manufacturers and grid operators.
Supraharmonics are difficult to detect with standard power quality monitoring tools, as many cannot measure beyond 2.5 kHz. However, their impact on grid stability is profound, with potential consequences for transformers and other critical infrastructure.
As EV adoption scales, power demand will mount, putting unprecedented pressure on power infrastructure. Any disruption from harmonics and supraharmonics can negatively impact transformers, making them unable to supply the power needed.
EVs haven’t been on the roads for long, so we haven’t had enough time to analyse all the potential power quality issues and their consequences. Despite this, from previous experience of how harmonics impact electrical equipment, we can predict that issues like supraharmonics will reduce the lifespan of charging equipment and other EV infrastructure, making it harder for drivers to charge their vehicles while on the road.
The first line of defence
When building charging stations, manufacturers could consider installing surge arresters. If the grid experiences any voltage fluctuations – such as power outages – a surge arrestor will dissipate any surges or transient voltage strikes. In doing so, it diverts them to the ground and prevents them from damaging the equipment.
Surge arresters can be an important first line of defence against transient voltage surges, helping extend the lifespan of EV charging equipment. That said, it’s not a complete solution.
If the voltage exceeds the surge arrester’s maximum rating, perhaps because of lightning strikes or prolonged exposure to surges, the device could come unstuck. In this scenario, surge arresters are designed to fail, or blow. While this process protects the infrastructure, once it happens, the EV charging equipment is no longer protected. It’s like a lightbulb: once it blows, it’s out.
“ The higher power drawn from the grid in shorter bursts increases the likelihood of disruptive harmonics
The importance of measurement
As the UK adds more charging stations, manufacturers and EV charging suppliers must plan with surge protection in mind. To better understand the risks, project managers should measure power quality at the various charger locations both before and after installation.
By using a high-level power quality analyser capable of measuring both harmonics and supraharmonics, project managers can identify any noise emissions and transient surges from the power source and any nearby facilities. For instance, measuring the emissions around a supermarket will help when planning to install new EV charging systems for the car park. Alternatively, if an industrial facility wants to install EV infrastructure in the employee car park, plant managers will want to measure emissions to ensure the new charging equipment will not disrupt plant equipment and vice versa.
A measurement device will give engineers an insight into how power quality could affect charging stations during their lifespan. If the system can read harmonics and supraharmonics, engineers can see and understand what is happening to the charging equipment and look back at any power quality events that occurred.
Standard surge arresters are insufficient for EV charging equipment, particularly if the infrastructure is due to increase at the rate needed to support all UK motorists. However, by working with an experienced power quality expert, manufacturers can identify an appropriate, effective solution that will keep both the charging station and grid protected.
As the UK continues its journey to net zero, and with the ban on diesel and petrol cars only 10 years away, the onus is on charger manufacturers to future-proof infrastructure. This means keeping tabs on power quality with sophisticated monitoring and installing effective protection to minimise the effects of surges and transient voltage strikes.
It’s time for old-school fuel stations to join the smart energy revolution
Om Shankar, Vice President & General Manager at Konect, believes that intelligent power distribution and on-site storage will be key to unlocking new revenue streams and long-term profitability for fuel stations, as he explains.
The demand for public EV charging is growing rapidly across the UK and Europe, and we see a future where the fuel retail network plays a key role in the EV transition. However, integrating high-powered chargers into existing infrastructure presents complex energy management challenges. Not having a strategic approach to energy distribution, grid limitations, rising costs, and operational inefficiencies could impact profitability.
The key to overcoming these challenges lies in smart energy management. By adopting intelligent energy solutions, fuel retailers can not only meet the growing demand for EV charging but also drive cost efficiencies, enhance reliability, enable additional revenue streams, and position themselves as leaders in the evolving world of electrified transport.
The energy challenge
The increasing adoption of EVs is placing growing pressure on power grids. By 2035, EV charging is expected to account for 14% of Europe’s total energy consumption, leading to significant demand surges that existing grid infrastructure may struggle to support. This poses a particular challenge for fuel retailers, many of whom are already operating close to their energy limits.
One of the biggest obstacles is grid capacity. Many forecourts lack the necessary connections to support multiple high-speed chargers, resulting in costly and time-consuming upgrade requirements. Even when grid capacity is available, fluctuating electricity prices and demand charges –penalties imposed by utility providers for exceeding contracted energy limits – can make energy costs unpredictable and difficult to manage.
Reliability is another pressing concern. Forecourts must offer a stressfree charging experience, yet without smart energy solutions, surges in demand could lead to overloading, causing disruptions or outages. If customers arrive expecting fast and reliable charging only to find stations out of service due to power constraints, both reputation and revenue will suffer.
A ‘smart energy ecosystem’ for fuel retailers
To future-proof their operations, fuel retailers must move beyond traditional energy management strategies and embrace a ‘smart energy ecosystem’. This approach integrates advanced technologies to optimise power distribution, enhance efficiency, and ensure seamless EV charging services.
One crucial component of this ecosystem is energy management software, which dynamically allocates power across all energy assets in the forecourt. This ensures energy is distributed efficiently without exceeding the site’s capacity, preventing overloading while maintaining high charger uptime.
On-site battery storage plays a vital role in balancing energy supply and demand. By storing energy during off-peak hours when electricity prices are lower, forecourts can reduce reliance on expensive grid power during peak times. Batteries also serve as a crucial backup, maintaining operations during power fluctuations or outages.
Business benefits of smart energy management
Investing in this smart energy ecosystem isn’t just about overcoming technical challenges – it’s a strategic decision that delivers tangible financial and operational benefits:
Cost savings are a significant advantage, and research shows that return on investment is a key priority for fuel retailers when adopting new technology. By optimising energy usage and reducing reliance on peak-hour grid electricity, retailers can lower operating costs. Energy storage solutions and intelligent load balancing help avoid costly demand charges, creating a more predictable cost structure.
Revenue opportunities also expand with this approach. Fuel retailers can sell stored electricity back to the grid during high-demand periods. Additionally, by offering competitively priced, reliable EV charging services, businesses can attract a broader customer base, increasing footfall and boosting associated sales.
Operational efficiency improves as well. Advanced monitoring systems enable proactive maintenance, reducing downtime and ensuring a smooth charging experience for customers. A well-managed energy infrastructure minimises disruptions, builds customer trust, and encourages repeat visits.
After all of this, sustainability goals become more achievable. Many fuel retailers face increasing pressure to align with carbon reduction initiatives. Integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, into a smart energy ecosystem can further reduce reliance on fossil fuels, helping businesses meet regulatory requirements while enhancing their environmental credentials.
“ By 2035, EV charging is expected to account for 14% of Europe’s total energy consumption
Investing in the future of mobility – and your business
Transitioning to a smart energy model requires careful planning. Fuel retailers must conduct energy demand forecasting to assess both current and future site needs. Understanding peak demand periods and usage patterns allows for more precise infrastructure planning.
Working with experienced partners in the smart energy space can help retailers deploy tailored solutions that maximise efficiency while minimising disruption. They will be aware of the various government grants and tax incentives that are available to support businesses investing in energy-efficient technologies, helping offset upfront costs associated with upgrading energy systems.
As energy storage technology advances and costs decline, smart energy ecosystems are becoming increasingly viable for fuel retailers. Exploring the options now will secure long-term profitability, strengthen customer loyalty, and support a more sustainable transport system.
Could the Planning and Infrastructure Bill finally streamline the UK’s clean energy rollout?
Dan Levy, Planning Manager
at
Balance
Power,
has some suggestions on how the UK can tackle the fractured approvals process and speed up notoriously slow planning decisions.
As the UK Government moves ahead with its net zero commitments, the country’s connections and planning systems are coming under increasing levels of scrutiny. The need for a rapid rollout of clean infrastructure is more critical than ever before. However, leading industry voices are in agreement that an often disjointed and slow planning approvals process is hindering us achieving such progress.
As the clean energy sector looks ahead to the upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill, there are several key areas of policy that must be addressed. The Government must show that it is willing to go further and faster to ensure that renewable development remains viable, profitable, and simple for prospective developers. It is not an overstatement to say that the future of the UK’s net zero achievements relies on it.
The need for change
There is widespread acknowledgement across both industry and government that Britain’s planning process needs to be made faster and more flexible. If the UK is to reach its net zero targets, we cannot afford for vital infrastructure to be continually delayed, or even blocked, by the approvals process.
The recent refocus on speeding up approvals for NSIPs (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects) is a welcome reflection of this reality. The new Government pledged action in this area pre-election and has so far demonstrated continued commitment to prioritising these projects – we are hopeful that this area will be addressed significantly in the
upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill
Other efforts, such as the recent working paper entitled, Streamlining Infrastructure Planning, is evidence of this commitment, as the Government proactively seeks industry views on how to streamline the development of critical infrastructure.
But while NSIP reform is a key tool in tackling planning issues, we must not allow our vision to become tunnelled.
Effective reform must also address the disconnect between the different local bodies involved in planning.
The strategic deployment of infrastructure in the UK runs through a relatively unsophisticated process. It initially involves input from NESO (National Energy System Operator), DESNZ (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero), and Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), but final decisions on planning are made by Local Planning Authorities (LPAs), often with differing priorities and internal strategies to the larger national bodies.
This can often lead to these LPAs rejecting proposals that may align with national grid priorities, but conflict with local planning objectives. Approval reform must address this issue if it is to have maximum impact, and we hope to see this addressed in the Government’s planned NSIP development, and its upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill
We must also consider that as we work to achieve a more streamlined planning process, this will result in an increased number of applications landing on the desks of officials. We need to ensure that there is enough skilled human resource available in approvals departments to manage
this influx. Failure to hire more of these staff will simply result in continued bottlenecks at a different stage of the approvals pipeline.
Learning from previous measures
When tackling reform for vital and complex processes such as infrastructure planning, new administrations need not feel like they are operating in a vacuum. Past attempts at reform can, and must, be learned from. For example, 2020 saw the relaxation of planning legislation, allowing battery storage projects to be determined by local planning authorities above 50 MW in England and above 350 MW in Wales, rather than having to go through the NSIP process. Efforts like this are broadly in-line with the current Government’s priorities.
However, they did result in some unexpected side effects that must now be addressed. In recent years, this measure has meant that the local planning authorities have been flooded with planning applications, and their timeframes for determining applications have therefore massively increased. This is part of the reason why hiring quality planning approvals staff is so important; yet will be challenging for many councils who are facing cuts in funding.
Furthermore, when building out policy such as the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the current Government can also build upon previous Government’s policy papers/proposals that cover the topic of local authority planning. Examples of these include the Energy White Paper (2020), Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener (2021) and the British Energy Security Strategy (2022).
The Government has also called for views to contribute to their planning reform working paper, titled Streamlining Infrastructure Planning. Industry contributions to this paper can, and should, help direct and inform future planning regulation.
The role of developers
Whilst the brunt of the responsibility for meaningful planning change falls on the shoulders of the Government, private developers also have a significant role to play. A proactive, transparent, and realistic approach to planning is essential to preventing planning rejections and delays.
At Balance Power, we are proud that our approvals rate is higher than the industry standard. We spend a lot of time in the pre-application phase, ensuring early and effective engagement with stakeholders and the local community to address their concerns, answering questions and implementing their suggestions into the design wherever possible.
By undertaking extensive work in the development process, developers can avoid unnecessary delays and rejections that hinder renewable infrastructure rollout. This attitude must also be applied to project deliverability, ensuring that developers’ approved projects have the highest possible chance of coming to fruition.
It is also the responsibility of developers to inform and guide policy wherever possible, ensuring that industry concerns are effectively communicated to the Government. As the need for, and capacity of, renewable development continues to grow in years and decades to come, developers must accept their own areas of responsibility – ensuring that project planning, approvals, and construction are carried out in an efficient, strategic, and co-operative manner.
“ The Government must show that it is willing to go further and faster to ensure that renewable development remains viable, profitable, and simple for prospective developers
Looking ahead
The renewable sector is eagerly awaiting the content of the upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill. This is for good reason – the inclusion of reformed approaches to NSIP prioritisation, planning staff resourcing, and approvals body cohesiveness could have a significant impact. However, we must also see this as what it is; a step in a longer journey towards the development of clean, independent and cheaper energy across Britain.
Even after the reforms of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill have been implemented, the work will still have only just begun. Industry and Government partnerships have to be strengthened, instead of just maintained. The planning process must continue to be optimised, adapting to issues and developments that may not have even fully emerged yet.
The hiring of quality planning approvals staff must be prioritised and accelerated. Finally, developers must continue to show dedication and innovation in their planning efforts, providing necessary infrastructure in the time, place, and capacity that our country requires.
Microgrids. Power that you control.
No matter your microgrid needs, Cummins is here to help you take control. From off-grid and remote locations to urban and life-saving applications, our sophisticated technologies are designed to support solutions worldwide. Explore Cummins microgrids today.
Learn more
If your operation needs a localised, self-sufficient power solution, ensure you can rely on a microgrid that is able to bring multiple energy resources together. Cummins provides flexible, autonomous power solutions that support integrated microgrid solutions worldwide, from off-grid and remote locations to urban and life-saving applications.
Moving concept and design forward
We are more than a provider; we are a partner ready to work with you to develop a microgrid solution to your facility’s specific requirements. Evaluating power sources with real-life data enables us to propose the best solution.
As we build and deliver the most effective microgrid solution, we ensure we optimise efficiency to your exact requirements, providing reliable integrated power solutions especially for you.
Reliable components that flex and maximize efficiency
Our generator set range is suited for all microgrid power generation requirements, ranging from 15 - 3,750 kVA. And our advanced microgrid controls (MGCs) support multiple configurations and design implementation solutions to adapt to evolving microgrid requirements. With a single interface, our gensets can support a truly integrated microgrid power system, offering the appropriate controller for every unique microgrid application.
POWER TO PERFECT POWER TO SHAPE YOUR MICROGRID SOLUTION
We have created a dedicated facility to design the optimal solutions for customers’ varied operation or power needs – whether they are hypothetical or planned. The Cummins Power Integration Center (PIC) is a highly configurable microgrid lab, spanning over 20,000 sq ft, designed by Cummins’ leading engineers and microgrid advisors to configure, test, and validate microgrid power systems.
Finding extra insights
At the heart of how we shape our solutions is the PIC. It consists of four main areas to ensure the microgrids we develop for our customers provide the most efficient solutions possible. The largest part is the outdoor testing areas, which are about four times the size of a basketball court and can test any source or load that can be integrated into a microgrid.
We go further to test what we build for you – with our state-of-theart testing facilities, we can fully test what we develop as we progress.
Testing every possible scenario
To support the flexibility of our components and design capabilities, our lab supports greater flexibility in the scenarios we can test.
In addition to outdoor testing areas, there’s also a main switchgear room for creating multiple different power system topologies, an electrical mezzanine with a utility distribution substation, a step-down
Both MGCs optimise the energy production from all assets in the system. This includes maximising the output of renewable sources and ultimately lowering the levelised cost of energy (LCOE) and total cost of ownership (TCO).
Global service and support
With more than 500 distributor facilities and over 9,000 dealer locations in more than 190 countries across the globe, we have the network to deliver dedicated service to meet your needs wherever you are. So, we’re always on hand to help your system keep delivering the power you need.
transformer and distribution switchgear, amongst other features. Finally, it has an engineering control room for extensive signal testing – the central nervous system for the whole facility.
Ready for different conditions
PIC ensures we can provide optimal solutions for customers’ varied operation or power needs, wherever they are in the world. It’s built to help companies find reliable solutions in a backdrop of change, from fluctuating governmental regulations and increasing operations costs to inclement weather and power grid instability.
Whatever challenges your operation faces, your microgrid system will be ready.
AI could be the catalyst for safer, smarter energy storage
Jean-Marc
Guillou
,
Chief Technology Officer at Socomec,
explores how advanced analytics and predictive intelligence could fundamentally reshape how we store and manage renewable power.
It’s expected that the UK will consume 50% more electricity than it does today by 2035, and that presents quite the dilemma for a country legally committed to achieving net zero by 2050. That’s why it’s vitally important that 60 GW of short-term flexible capacity, from flexible power sources such as battery energy storage, is available to deal with peaks and troughs in renewable generation to meet demand.
There are other ways to deal with the increasing need for electricity, of course. Demand-side measures, such as energy efficiency improvements, as well as an increased focus towards installing onsite renewable generation and battery energy storage at large energy consumers, can also help tackle the challenge.
However, no matter what solution you choose – it’s clear that batteries will be key to our energy revolution. Yet, the consequent need for fast, frequent charging and discharging at short notice risks pushing batteries beyond their design limitations and jeopardising safety, durability and performance.
Thankfully, recent advances in AI could help us overcome these risks and prepare batteries for the new demands of the energy transition.
A grid under growing stress
The accelerating electrification and digitalisation of the economy will heavily tax the grid, with data centres alone projected to account for 6% of UK electricity demand. Balancing this increased demand with more fluctuating supply from renewable power sources entails a transition towards smarter grids where demand is managed at the ‘edge’ of networks through onsite energy storage. At the same time, grids will need to draw on decentralised power reserves, such as from battery energy storage systems, in commercial and industrial batteries.
Battery energy storage systems will have to shoulder a broader range of responsibilities – from peak shaving (reducing peaks in grid demand) to providing flexible power capacity. This will push batteries to their limits as they must match their charge and discharge cycles to a more diverse and shifting array of needs.
The looming digital transformation of energy
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) predicts that increasing energy system complexity, including the mass participation of distributed energy resources such as batteries in balancing markets, will require an accompanying digital transformation. Technologies such as data analytics and AI will be essential both to control consumption, as well as to coordinate supply and demand across a more complex, decentralised system. The same technologies will also be essential to prepare batteries for the new patterns of use needed to support the energy transition.
Traditional battery management systems lack the sophisticated analytical and predictive capabilities to manage the stresses batteries will face from faster and more frequent cycles. Many only capture data retrospectively and in an incomplete, unstructured form which is unusable for machine learning systems.
These systems cannot predict safety hazards such as thermal runaway, where battery temperatures rise uncontrollably, until hours or even minutes before the incident. They can often only estimate state of charge or state of health with about 90% confidence. As the energy transition accelerates, this could expose batteries to safety risks and accelerated degradation.
We need a fundamental digital transformation in battery management to accompany the new demands they will face.
The predictive potential of AI
Some battery operators are now harnessing the predictive power of AI to intelligently adjust battery cycles to the diverse demands of the energy transition and enhance battery health, performance and longevity.
Firstly, AI can now improve the quality of battery data through analytic tools customised to automatically find missing files, timestamps or other gaps to create more consistent and complete datasets. In this way, AI itself is helping prepare battery data for use by other AI applications.
This improved data can then be harnessed to drive a step-change in battery management. For example, AI can now predict hidden causes of damage or degradation months in advance, enabling smart predictive maintenance strategies that reduce safety hazards and maintenance costs.
The same technologies could help proactively improve performance and longevity by predictively optimising battery cycles. Tests have shown AI can predict the perfect patterns of use to reduce degradation and maintain a high level of performance over their full 20-year lifetime. The latest advances in AI can predict battery state of charge or state of health with 98% accuracy, allowing operators to confidently predict how different usage patterns will affect batteries.
“ AI could even harness lessons learned from battery management to drive smarter future designs
These insights could help design the ideal battery management strategies for all the diverse demands of the energy transition from frequency or voltage regulation and short-term flexible capacity to peak shaving. AI-powered battery management could also be designed to help consumers reduce energy waste, further improving cost and carbon efficiency.
In addition to transforming the management of the existing battery stock, AI could even harness lessons learned from battery management to drive smarter future designs. This would create a virtuous circle where today’s battery data fuels tomorrow’s battery development.
Preparing batteries for the challenge of the energy transition
Balancing increasing electricity demand with more intermittent renewable supply will see batteries play a greater role than ever before, flattening out peaks in consumption and integrating more clean power into grids. Yet fulfilling these demands will also mean putting batteries through faster and more frequent battery cycles than they were designed for, potentially creating safety hazards, damage and premature degradation.
This calls for a fundamental overhaul of battery management strategies drawing on advanced analytics and AI to predictively optimise maintenance and management around improving battery performance and longevity. We need to move from retrospective analysis and reactive strategies towards proactive predictive monitoring and management. Ultimately, the data we generate today could create better battery designs that significantly increase future power grid flexibility.
‘Grow your own energy’: Is this the solution to our modern energy needs?
Skyrocketing energy costs, climate concerns, and a desire for greater resilience are driving a revolution in how we power our homes and businesses, as Alex Howison, Development Director at Eclipse Power Optimise, explains
oaring energy costs, anxiety about supply in the face of world events and a rapid increase in extreme weather events have sparked something of a revolution in how we think about energy. We used to take electricity for granted, barely giving it a second thought. Burning fossil fuels to heat our homes and power our businesses was a no-brainer. Until suddenly the costs became rather higher than we were comfortable with, both in terms of financial cost and the harm it’s causing to the planet.
SCue renewable energy and the realisation that; ‘hey, I could become part of the solution rather than the problem’. Extending this to its natural conclusion has become; ‘hey, why don’t I generate the electricity I need to power my home, business, campus, data centre, energyconsumer of choice?’
Here’s where microgrids and private networks step in. Essentially, we are talking about localised energy generation. Instead of taking its electricity from a centralised system, a development project, business or a community looks to unlock the benefits of generating energy close to the specific area where it will be used.
Until relatively recently, they’ve tended to provide a resilient power source for isolated communities where they reduce vulnerability from grid disruptions and extreme weather. Places like the Isles of Scilly and the Orkney Islands have developed tidal and wind generation assets to integrate into their microgrids. The appeal of microgrids and private networks that combine energy
generation and storage assets is now spreading to community and standalone projects and developments around the country.
Behind the meter – not off-grid
Microgrids provide reliable sources of power and can be operated independently of the grid, but they aren’t all entirely ‘off-grid’ – the ‘Good Life’ scenario. Most will have a physical connection to the grid to enable excess power to be stored and exported back to the grid when it’s needed, or to draw smaller amounts of energy from the grid than would normally be needed, when required.
As unlicenced networks, they deliver the best of both worlds, operating independently and alongside the main grid. And, because they use energy generated from localised renewable sources, they provide energy security and resilience, while reducing carbon emissions.
Lower connection costs and shorter lead times
Constraints in connecting to the national grid have long been a barrier for energising projects. The length of the connections queue has exasperated developers and is a priority for the National Energy System Operator, prompting a raft of reforms to the connections process. In response, smart developers have looked at the option of creating microgrids that operate ‘behind the meter’, which can involve community batteries, solar arrays and other assets working together to meet a site’s needs with as little interaction with the grid as possible.
“ Microgrids provide reliable sources of power and can be operated independently of the grid, but they aren’t all entirely ‘off-grid’ – the ‘Good Life’ scenario
As microgrids enable projects to offset their demand from the grid with onsite generation, they can balance energy resources to reduce their impact on the grid. For projects that are waiting for connection to the grid, this can add up to an earlier connection date and lower connection costs.
Adjusting the size of the required connection can reduce both the cost and the lead time to energise a project. A microgrid or private network of generation and storage assets behind the meter reduces the power demand from the grid. The result is a faster and cheaper path to connecting to the grid.
For example, using a private network to provide, say, 20MW can reduce a residential or commercial and industrial project’s 30 MW grid connection to 10 MW – rapidly shortening the time it takes to get an efficient, low-cost, reliable energy connection for projects.
More collaboration. More freedom. Less friction
While it is certainly possible and feasible to take control of your energy production and consumption, it is, as you might expect, massively complex. It’s not something that you’d want to do without help.
There are complex technical, governance and safety standards to navigate and multiple moving parts involved in establishing microgrids and private networks. Knowing where to start and who to engage calls for expertise, experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities involved. It’s vital to approach any such projects with an open and collaborative stance. No two microgrids are the same, nor are the stakeholders you need to get on board.
The good news is that this is in direct contrast to the more closed-off and siloed approach that you typically see in the energy industry. In fact, across the board, microgrids and private networks offer more freedom than traditional distribution network operator and transmission owner networks.
Rather than being forced to operate within a rigid system, microgrid customers can achieve flexible, customised solutions that meet their specific needs. This customer-centric focus is a welcome relief from the network-centric approach of traditional energy providers and hopefully is a sign of things to come within the rapidly changing sector.
Commercial benefits all round
Another advantage for potential microgrid customers is the opportunity to share ownership and investment in the energy assets and infrastructure with partners. Setting up or working with an energy service company means that multiple parties can align incentives and spread risks, rather than a single party owning and operating the infrastructure.
An experienced partner will add valuable expertise to streamline the adoption, operation and maintenance processes of a microgrid. For example, by introducing advanced network management systems that monitor and control the microgrid in real-time to optimise performance and ensure a reliable delivery of energy.
The same ethos can be applied to larger scale commercial developments, where industrial and commercial customers can pair with grid-scale generation within a private network, behind a higher voltage connection to the grid. Whether you’re building a data centre, commercial centre or industrial hub, private networks enable the same acceleration in connections, reduction in costs and opportunity to tap into long-term revenue streams through shared ownership options.
Let’s solve energy
It’s encouraging that microgrids and private networks have gained greater exposure. In general, people have become more aware of the need for energy security.
Greater media attention and public focus on energy and power issues recently has heightened awareness of the need to ‘solve energy’. This has created a perfect opportunity to explore innovative, alternative solutions like microgrids and private networks.
Localised energy is becoming a reality for all kinds of developments and projects adopting private networks and microgrids. We’re seeing more low-cost and reliable residential, industrial and commercial and data centre projects unblock.
transformers
We need modern transformers if we’re going to achieve net zero
Could organisations be unwittingly stalling their decarbonisation efforts by overlooking one key piece of infrastructure? Claire Tonks, Account Manager at Powerstar, finds out.
Asignificant proportion of UK companies are fearful of missing decarbonisation targets; of risking investment without sufficient certainty on the returns, and of the reputational risk of greenwashing. This can lead to greenstalling – a lack of action for fear of taking the wrong route.
In fact, nearly 80% of respondents to the Carbon Trust and Net Zero Intelligence Unit’s Breaking Business Barriers to Net Zero report agreed that greenwashing represents a major reputational risk. But alongside the fear of backlash from erroneous decarbonisation claims, there is a host of additional reasons behind businesses’ hesitancy to act on net zero: uncertainty over regulations and government support; the lack of trustworthy sources of accurate information in a changing economic and energy landscape, and – with new energy technologies developing at pace – not knowing where to start to achieve the most effective results.
All of this indicates that greenstalling is not a preferred course of action, but that businesses are operating within a complex scenario where they must navigate both internal and external pressures while balancing responses to a constantly evolving sustainability landscape. This is why it makes sense to think of decarbonisation as a journey, and why the Carbon Trust and Net Zero Intelligence Unit’s emphasis on first steps is highly pertinent.
As explained in the report, “Your business cannot do everything at once. Focus first on the areas that can drive the greatest impact, based on a rigorous assessment of the risks and opportunities for your business, and take action there...”
Balancing immediate gains with lasting Impact
In 2022, Forbes looked at the tension between long-term and short-term sustainability ambitions. The average tenure of a CEO within a S&P 500 company is less than eight years, making long-term sustainability
strategies a somewhat challenging concept. Hence the need for short-term decarbonisation goals which can reap immediate benefits.
In this context, it makes sense for businesses to look at their existing energy management assets to establish where savings can be made to offer a timely return while contributing to decarbonisation strategies. Widely used throughout the UK, transformers can be the ideal starting point.
“ The average age of the UK’s fleet of approximately 230,000 transformers is over 60 years
Many businesses already consider transformers a vital energy management asset, to step-up or step-down incoming voltage for usable on-site power supply. And, where a company has already invested in onsite renewables such as solar PV or wind turbines, a transformer is vital for the integration of this sustainable energy.
The increased uptake of on-site renewables is a significant issue for companies that rely on transformers given the ensuing increased demand for these assets. The UK’s transformer fleet is ageing, with a Freedom of Information request to Ofgem finding that the average age of the UK’s fleet of approximately 230,000 transformers is over 60 years.
Given that we now understand that the anticipated design lifespan of a transformer should be about 20 years, there are clear and pressing issues.
As the global demand for transformers increases, transformer failure means not only production downtime and the possibility of wastage or scrappage of product, but also a potentially lengthy wait for a
replacement to be sourced, delivered and installed. Given the concerns around greenwashing and how these can lead to greenstalling, it’s ironic that neglecting to review transformers and replace with a modern alternative can, in itself, create reputational harm if customers are let down due to operational failure or lengthy delays. Therefore, assessing the age of your transformers supports on-site power resilience while helping to maintain your reputation.
Investing in the future
One hurdle slowing companies down in their net zero journey relates to corporate buy-in and the need to demonstrate a return on investment, where budgets can be contested and other business priorities seem more immediate. But replacing outdated transformers with a modern alternative can offer reduced operating costs, lower maintenance costs when failures are fewer, and lower energy spend – meaning reduced carbon emissions.
While the initial cost for a modern amorphous core transformer may be higher than for a traditional option, they offer major benefits, with up to 70% lower core losses as compared to conventional transformers. Additionally, a modern transformer includes integrated remote monitoring, providing real-time insights into asset performance, providing the visibility to allow for proactive maintenance, helping to minimise downtime.
Furthermore, transformers sourced from a UK manufacturer may offer further sustainability-related benefits, as your own Scope 2 emissions are reduced which can provide a competitive advantage by helping customers address their Scope 3 emissions – notoriously the hardest to quantify and reduce.
Where local sourcing is a strategic priority, in addition to reduced transport-related emissions, rigorous quality control based in the UK can
help avoid the pitfalls that can come with importing equipment while keeping lead times as short as possible.
Avoiding analysis-paralysis
The concept of greenstalling is a real issue for businesses who have a genuine desire to decarbonise and to meet the demands of a net zero future. With a legally-binding national target of 2050, analysis-paralysis is not tenable, either in the long- or the short-term.
The Breaking Business Barriers to Net Zero report identifies critical factors hampering progress, including gaining stakeholder buy-in and fear around external scrutiny. It also highlights the need to focus on where you can take immediate action. Businesses have legitimate concerns over the potential for reputational damage, and over financial priorities that seem more immediately pressing than investing in emission reduction.
Yet there is, arguably, greater potential damage in not actively progressing with a sustainability plan – with loss of customer and investor engagement, and a negative impact on attracting and retaining the best employees.
In financial terms, there are both long- and short-term implications for businesses who fall behind: where sustainability is an increasingly important aspect in investment and loan terms, and where there are short-term gains to be had through better energy management.
Looking at net zero as a journey rather than a destination can make embarking on decarbonisation a far less daunting prospect. Reviewing your existing assets and improving their efficiency can be an ideal starting point. Offering the opportunity to demonstrate a quantifiable commitment to improved energy management for greater sustainability while reducing energy costs to help shore up stakeholder buy-in, transformers are a clear case in point.
A shortage of electricians could derail the UK’s net zero ambitions
Andrew Eldred,
Chief Operating Officer at
the
Electrical Contractors’
Association, warns that without urgent action to train and retain skilled electricians, Britain’s decarbonisation goals may slip beyond reach.
The United Kingdom’s net zero ambition is at risk – not due to a lack of technologies, but because of a lack of skilled electricians to install and maintain them. Electrical apprenticeship starts in England have fallen by 10% this year, and a projected shortfall of 15,000 electricians over the next five years signals that the workforce needed to deliver electrification is at risk of shrinking at the very moment it is needed most.
As the Government pushes forward its Clean Power Action Plan and sets out its strategic decision on decarbonising heat, it must address the reality that without a strong electrical workforce, these policies will falter.
A growing skills gap
The electrical industry is the backbone of the net zero transition, yet it struggles to train new talent at the required pace and scale. The problem extends beyond recent declines in apprenticeship numbers – there is a fundamental disconnect between education and employment.
Fewer than 8% of individuals completing government-funded, classroom-based electrical courses progress to apprenticeships within a year. This means thousands of aspiring electricians eager to enter the industry are unable to do so because the system doesn’t have the capacity to support them.
The growing shortage of qualified electricians risks delaying the rollout of key infrastructure projects and technologies, including EV charging stations, energy storage systems, and heat pumps – directly impacting the UK’s ability to meet ambitious net zero targets.
Without a stronger talent pipeline, labour costs for electrical installations will rise, making green technologies less accessible for businesses and consumers.
Fixing the skills pipeline
Recent apprenticeship reforms in England, including shorter minimum durations and increased flexibility over English and Maths requirements, may benefit lower skilled sectors. They do nothing, however, to help address the specific challenges faced by the electrical industry, where rigorous training, high academic standards, and extensive hands-on experience are non-negotiable.
If the UK is serious about meeting net zero targets, as well as ‘Breaking Down the Barriers to Opportunity’, it must prioritise commercial and
residential green electrical skills training with the same urgency as largescale clean energy generation. A coordinated effort between government, industry, and education providers is needed to break down these barriers.
The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) has been leading efforts to close this gap through targeted initiatives; launching our Recharging Electrical Skills Charter in England in 2023, then our Electrical Skills Index and Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter in 2024. However, broader systemic changes are still needed to secure the workforce of the future.
1. Scaling up apprenticeships and equivalent training routes
A key part of the solution is increasing apprentice numbers again, ensuring that young people eager to enter the profession have a clear and supported route into skilled employment. A lot of this is about funding levels, which currently differ significantly from one part of the UK to another. Better apprenticeship funding should in turn help to improve training providers’ ability to attract and retain high-calibre staff, as well as encouraging English FE colleges to move away from their current overreliance on cheaper, ‘dead-end’ classroom-based electrical courses.
Other industry-recognised training routes, including adult NVQ and Experienced Worker Assessment, should also receive public funding to enable career changers and semi-skilled industry workers to transition into competent, fully qualified electricians.
All-ages state funding in Sweden means that 30% of new electricians qualify as adults in this way. In the UK, by contrast, inadequate adult education funding forces many to self-finance training – and in too many cases falling prey to unscrupulous commercial businesses, poor quality courses, and oppressive loan agreements.
“ Electrical apprenticeship starts in England have fallen by 10% this year
2. Strengthening collaboration
The skills challenge cannot be solved in isolation. A more coordinated, inclusive approach is essential to align training with real-world needs and ensure apprenticeship opportunities are widely accessible. ECA is working in close partnership with key industry bodies – including TESP, NET, JIB, NICEIC, and Unite the Union – to help bridge this gap, but wider collaboration is needed.
The establishment of Skills England presents an opportunity for a unified skills strategy, bringing together employers, government, trade unions, and education providers to drive reform. This means addressing the various funding challenges, plus the disconnect between classroombased qualifications and employment routes.
It also involves Skills England making a decisive break from the one-size-fits all mentality that has unfortunately characterised much of skills policy in England over many years and from governments of all complexions. Genuine co-creation, as promoted in Wales, where ECA already enjoys strong and productive relations with both Welsh Government and Medr, could be a beneficial model for England to follow.
With regional skills devolution gaining traction, collaboration between industry, education providers and combined authorities offers an additional opportunity to improve skills delivery and funding outcomes at a local level.
3. Fix the funding model for SMEs
Despite the urgent need for more apprentices, the current funding model fails to incentivise small businesses, who make up over 99% of the sector. While the Government covers 95% of training costs, it does not cover apprentice wages or compensate employers for the time and resources invested whilst supporting apprentices, particularly in the earlier years. This acts as a major disincentive for small firms.
As a result, many experienced electricians who could train the next generation simply cannot afford to take on apprentices, further restricting workforce growth. Recent increases in apprentice minimum wage rates (a 40% increase in two years) exacerbate the issue, meaning that this year’s downward trend in electrical apprentice starts might continue and even accelerate further in future. We now urgently require direct financial support for SME employers, whether
through tax reliefs, wage subsidies, or additional funding for apprentice mentoring and support during the first two years.
Invest now, or fall later
Electricians have been overlooked for too long. Their expertise is essential to rolling out the technologies needed to reach net zero. Yet, unlike other sectors, electrical skills cannot be learned during a shorter duration apprenticeship or ‘bootcamp’; they require rigorous training and years of hands-on experience.
Young people want these careers - thousands enrol in governmentfunded electrical courses every year, yet only a fraction progress into apprenticeships. The demand is there, but the system fails to support them. Without urgent reform, the UK risks squandering a generation of talent at a time when it is needed most.
The Government has a choice: invest in the workforce now or face the consequences of stalled projects, rising costs, and missed climate targets.
MHHS and the impact of data and AI on the energy transition and net zero
Timothy Holman, Head of Operations at TEAM Energy, believes that Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) could be a game-changer for organisations’ carbon reduction goals, as he explains.
How we generate, use and pay for electricity in the UK is going through a period of intense and accelerated change. New schemes are being introduced at pace, with a goal of promoting efficient energy management practices, saving money on energy costs and reducing carbon emissions.
The overall intent is admirable: improve energy security, increase affordability and prevent harm to the environment. But there is no magic bullet. As we have seen in the case of changes within phases of the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme, nothing is set in stone. Each Government consultation, and last year’s change in Government, adds to the requirement for organisations to monitor, audit and report on their energy usage and plans to reach net zero.
Despite not knowing the precise route that industry will have to take to reach clean power objectives, we are aware of the overall direction of travel. There are initiatives that will have a major impact on when and how we use energy, how much it will cost and its impact on the climate and the environment. One of these is Market-wide HalfHourly Settlement (MHHS) which will lead to a faster, more accurate settlement process for everyone participating in the electricity market.
The major market reform on the horizon
Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) has been described by Elexon, the organisation that administers the UK’s energy balancing code, as one of the ‘biggest overhauls of electricity systems and processes since privatisation and the introduction of the competitive market in 1998’.
In essence, MHHS means that the energy supplier pays the energy generator for the energy consumed by its customers every 30 minutes based on actual rather than estimated consumption, as is currently the case. This will be heavily reliant on the installation of smart meters capable of returning accurate, real-time data of electricity usage. One thing is for sure, MHHS is going to both generate and rely on enormous volumes of data. Organisations that can access and analyse that data will be able to act on it more effectively.
As MHHS means that all suppliers will be charged for the actual consumption of their customers, it’s realistic to expect an increase in the variety of tariffs available. We should see the introduction of more ‘time of use’ tariffs for organisations that are ready to switch to them, with higher costs for peak-times or lower costs for times of increased, cheaper, renewable energy availability. This is good news for organisations without current low-carbon technologies to decarbonise their operations by using energy from renewable sources.
Weathering complex challenges
Clearly, the introduction of MHHS is highly complex. There is enormous scope for error – which can be costly. Even during periods of ‘business as usual’ analysis shows that up to 4% of utility bills contain errors, and during times of change, the risk of errors and mistakes is elevated. It’s early days yet for these systems, and there are many challenges to weather. It’s been said that while meters may have become smart, the system supporting them is still dumb. It’s quite a heavy burden for energy managers to tolerate.
To optimise the benefits of any incentivised tariffs, an organisation will need a comprehensive understanding of its energy estate data.
Energy managers will need sophisticated tools to interpret and interact with the data, to make changes.
Multi-site energy estates may well turn to energy management bureaus or bill validation solutions to identify and benefit from tariffs specific to different sites and periods. Despite new charges and increased risk of errors, organisations who engage an energy bureau service can take the challenges of MHHS in their stride, by establishing energy efficiency best practices, and understanding the data and usage profiles supplied by smart metering. Energy bureau and bill validation services can help recover costs, mitigate risk, and help organisations work towards corporate net zero targets.
“ We should see the introduction of more ‘time of use’ tariffs for organisations that are ready to switch to them
AI and the data deluge
While more flexible tariffs offer greater opportunities to save money and reduce an organisation’s carbon footprint, there’s no getting away from the fact that such schemes are not just complex, they are data-reliant and heavy on the need for processing power.
Here’s where it all gets a bit meta. Data-driven energy decisionmaking is driving the need for more data. While, in turn, collecting and processing data uses more energy. The amount of power consumed by data centres, and AI in particular, is already raising eyebrows. Multiplying data volumes to reduce energy consumption appears counter intuitive. Ironically, AI and big data are prime tools for tackling the challenges of energy security and net zero.
Across organisations, energy managers can use AI and data to get better insights into their energy estate, reduce their emissions, and mitigate the risks of energy security and climate change. While it’s the case that big data and AI have energy costs associated with them, they are often exaggerated.
Based on International Energy Agency (IEA) figures, data centres account for one or two per cent of energy use – a small figure compared to other industries and buildings. As the increase in AI helps counter building energy use, the small percentage energy increase incurred is made up for in savings.
And after the storm …
For the foreseeable future, the energy industry is going to continue to face the challenge of implementing changes. Some of which will work, some will need adaptation, and some will be short-term interim fixes. This may be unsettling for consumers. However, ‘early adopter’ organisations can make sure they are in the best position to take advantage of MHHS and other schemes as they develop and mature.
Support from energy management bureau services can help organisations weather the storm by unlocking important energy saving opportunities and ultimately guarantee the accuracy of their MHHS participation.
Could your HVAC system become the grid’s secret weapon?
Don Dulchinos, Director at the OpenADR Alliance, explores how new connectivity standards and smarter appliances are transforming buildings into active grid resources, as he explains.
We need a smart and flexible electricity system to help decarbonise our economies and, most importantly, to help manage energy demand and balance the grid at peak times.
Grid-interactive buildings are an interesting trend. These solutions can help transform energy management, offering greater flexibility and efficiency by balancing and optimising energy loads to reduce the strain on the grid. This type of intelligent building can adapt energy use dynamically, reducing demand when the grid is under stress, and storing and drawing power from a range of distributed energy resources like solar and battery storage.
But we can take this idea a step further by treating electric appliances as potential grid resources. Smart homes and smart automation are nothing new of course, but with the advances in technology, increased grid connectivity and compensation, and the integration of AI for smarter automation, the market is set to explode.
Revenue in the smart appliances market is projected to reach $68.7 billion in 2025, according to worldwide data from Statista, with household penetration growing from 12.9% in 2025 to hit 30.8% by 2029.
Innovation driving growth
As a global industry alliance, we are seeing real innovation in action. Many of our members are manufacturers of HVACR products and technologies, including heat pump water heaters, smart heating and air conditioning systems, and other smart and connected devices helping to drive the development of grid-interactive buildings.
There are also more use cases emerging as the adoption of new technologies and connectivity solutions continues to grow, unlocking the potential for residential and commercial premises to use energy more flexibly. When buildings and grids communicate with each other, stress during peak times can be mitigated and peaks in energy demand smoothed out.
Setting standards
Standards are vital in driving this innovation. They play a crucial role in enabling efficient demand response within energy management systems, and by mandating standards, governments and regulatory bodies support the need for compliance.
In the US, for example, the CTA-2045 technical specification, and the certified version known as EcoPort, allows devices to connect directly to energy management systems through a universal port. This promotes flexibility and adaptive energy consumption across various appliances.
Simply put, it means that any EcoPort-certified control module, when plugged into an appliance or energy system, can reliably establish communications that meet the requirements of the CTA-2045 standard.
While the first implementations of the standard are in water heaters, due to there being a significant source of load response across residential households, EcoPort provides a standard interface for energy management signals and messages for many other devices. These include an energy management hub, residential gateway, sensor, thermostat, or appliances ranging from pool pumps to electric vehicle charging stations.
With a significant 30% annual growth in electric water heater sales in the US, it’s encouraging to see that EcoPort is now mandated for all water heaters sold in two US states, Washington (since 2022) and Oregon. New York State is expected to follow later.
PAS for energy smart appliances
Closer to home, two British standards published by BSI in 2021 – PAS 1878 and PAS 1879 – set out the requirements for energy smart appliances (ESA). The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) led the development of PAS 1878, laying out the criteria that an electrical appliance needs to meet in order to perform and be classified as an ESA. PAS 1879, meanwhile, addresses the demand side response operation of these appliances.
“ When buildings and grids communicate with each other, stress during peak times can be mitigated and peaks in energy demand smoothed out
It was interesting to hear from DESNZ at our recent OpenADR Alliance User Conference about how innovation and technologies can contribute to the UK’s commitment to reach Net Zero by 2050 – and particularly the importance of standards in helping to drive this change.
The Government’s Flexibility Innovation Program is playing a key role in this as it looks to support innovative solutions, including the development of ESA for the delivery of interoperable demand side response (IDSR) as part of its IDSR program that companies, like smart energy technology firm, Passiv UK, are developing products for.
Governments, industry bodies, and energy product and services companies are committed to finding ways of solving problems through innovation. As a result, we are closer to creating new opportunities with grid-interactive solutions that can help buildings and even data centres become more resilient and sustainable in the future.
5 year warranty as standard on all UPS models up to and including 3kVA
