Friday 21 August 2020

Local energy networks ‘must innovate to help deliver net zero emissions’

Local energy networks must deliver innovations in local network design and load management to help deliver net zero by 2050.

Energy Assets Networks says independent distribution network owners must play a significant role in balancing consumer demand for energy with available capacity as society moves towards greater electrification and phases out petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles by 2035.

The organisation suggests the challenges facing the UK on its journey to net zero carbon emissions are "considerable" but adds the transition will also open up "significant opportunities" for local network owners.

Symon Gray, Head of Networks at Energy Assets Networks, said: “The government’s decision to phase out new fossil-fuelled vehicles – including part electrified hybrids – earlier than anticipated means that we need to accelerate plans to create smart local networks capable of managing load more effectively than ever before.

“We need to be ready for the electric vehicle revolution through more innovative network design and load management while integrating renewables generation and battery storage into network design. In this way, we can be a key contributor to a lower carbon future.”