Wednesday 11 July 2018

UK university to host Europe’s ‘largest’ smart energy demonstrator

Work has started on what is claimed will be Europe’s largest smart energy demonstrator at a UK university.

Keele University is upgrading its existing energy infrastructure, creating a decentralised system using smart technologies and focusing on energy efficiency and cost savings.

Siemens will digitalise 24 substations, install 1,500 smart meters and integrate 5MW of renewable energy under the first phase of the project.

The “living lab”, called the Smart Energy Network Demonstrator (SEND) and claimed to be the first of its kind in Europe, will allow the university to monitor and mange its energy across the campus.

It will provide evidence to the energy research and business community and small and medium sized businesses will have access to the facility to test and develop new smart and renewable energy technologies.

Professor Mark Ormerod, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the university said: “We are committed to investing in our energy and utility network. Being the home to Europe’s largest smart energy network demonstrator is a thrilling prospect, both academically and environmentally. Our living lab will help provide the research into decentralised energy systems needed now and into the future to create a more agile power system.”

The project is funded by the university, the UK Government and the European Regional Development Fund.