Beginning with trials back in 2013, the technology is now becoming mainstream thanks to Scottish Power Energy Networks’ ongoing two-year LiDAR project. This is helping other networks to embrace the technology through the dissemination of lessons learned via workshops and presentations.
Five ways LiDAR technology is mapping the future Read More »
For electric vehicles (EVs) to achieve their maximum potential benefit for both the transport sector and the energy sector, closer collaboration between the two sectors is essential. So far, most of the learning around how EVs will affect DNOs has come from projects undertaken by DNOs themselves, but earlier this year automotive manufacturer Nissan launched a trial in the UK that could be of great benefit to DNOs.
EVs: a car park of storage Read More »
The number of grid-rechargeable electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (EVs) sold in the UK has doubled between 2015 and 2016 (Fig. 1). Globally, the statistics on EV adoption display the early signs of an exponential curve. Management scientists call this the S-pattern of new technology adoption: smart phones, hybrid vehicles, and the Internet have all followed similar trajectories. If EV growth continues at this rate, by 2018 we could see over 100,000 new plug-in vehicles per year being sold in the UK.
Electric vehicles: friend or foe? Read More »
District heat networks were gifted an unexpected pot of money from the government in last year’s Budget. The government committed to provide £320 million in capital support over the next five years. This investment is expected to fund 200 heat networks that will supply the equivalent of more than 400,000 homes and leverage £2 billion of private investment.At the end of last month the government launched a consultation asking how the money should best be spent and monitored.
District heat: an attractive investment? Read More »
If the UK is to solve the challenge of meeting its heat needs in a decarbonised, affordable and secure manner it is going to need a multipronged approach. That was the strategy put forward by Imperial College London last year in its Managing Heat System Decarbonisation report. While the proposal is already largely accepted as good sense, last month the results of WWU’s Cornwall Energy project demonstrated with hard facts why a single technology strategy is a recipe for failure.
District heat: follow the leading light? Read More »
February brings twin conferences for the sector: the Future Networks event on 25 February, followed by the Future of Heat on 26 February. The events will allow the sector to debate its response to the huge challenges it faces: the net-zero by 2050 target, combined with the additional pressure it has created ahead of the RIIO-2 regime, then the abandonment of natural gas and heat decarbonisation.
Debating the steep path to net-zero 2050 Read More »
If energy networks aren’t concerned about the threat of terrorism via cyber attack, they should be. This was the blunt message from General Keith Alexander, former first commander of United States cyber command and former director of the National Security Agency, as he spoke to delegates at Accenture’s international utilities and energy conference earlier this year.
Dealing with the digital enemy: the rise of cybercrime Read More »
The decarbonisation of the energy system is driving energy networks to become smarter, more flexible and more closely integrated.
