Making the whole system think
If we are to meet our net zero goals in the UK, we need to think of the distributed energy systems as a Whole System; one that’s continually using energy data and analytics to find the least carbon intensive option. We need to make the whole distributed energy system think to use the least carbon intensive kWh to drive decarbonisation and achieve net zero. So, how do we help businesses achieve this?
Analysing energy demand, storage, export and import
The interplay between energy generation, storage, export and import is increasingly important as the UK strives to decarbonise power, heat, and transport.
In the transport sector, hybrid vehicles are a prime example of how technology optimises the most efficient use of energy. The engine management system optimises the operation of the vehicle using data on electric energy in the battery, self-generation through braking, and the range of its petrol or diesel engine. The interplay between the three data sets is visualised on the car’s dashboard and app. The driver is empowered to choose how to operate the vehicle. And the outcome is lower carbon intensity per mile and reduced running costs. The same principles apply when helping businesses decarbonise.
Data and Decarbonisation
The whole distributed energy system needs to continually think about the least carbon intensive option and this happens through our energy technology platforms. They continually analyse, optimise, and flex a businesses’ energy mix and recommend the least carbon intensive means of operation. It analyses a company’s renewable generation (on site and off site), energy storage, and import from the grid and export of energy to the grid.
Our digital energy platforms apply the same principle to lowering the carbon intensity of the built environment. Like a hybrid car, the distributed energy system needs to think and deliver the optimum means of operating a business so our customers can lower carbon intensity, reduce energy, and deliver for their customers.
Shifting demand to the least carbon intensive kWh
Hybrid and EV cars charge overnight while demand on the grid is typically the least carbon intensive. We’re applying the same principle in commercial building, large estates, and heat networks. We can analyse a university campus’ energy demand, onsite generation, and the export to the grid, and storage. This gives our customers visibility of their energy profile, and we can make operational changes, for instance recommending that part of the operation can be done at night time to lower their energy demand at peak, carbon intensive times.
Unlike a hybrid car, the advantage we have is that we know where we are going. For university estates, we can factor in future growth in student numbers, and forecast future energy usage. For commercial buildings, we can analyse past energy usage and forecast the future energy demand and adapt energy strategy accordingly.
Find out more
Making the system think enables us to model and forecast what the impact will be for customers when they invest in distributed energy assets. Data and analytics mitigate risk, reassures the customers we work with, and embeds data and technology as central to decarbonisation.
This is exciting. It gives customers a road map for distributed energy assets and the certainty they crave as they plan for net zero.
Find out more about Digital Services and how we're digitising net zero.
