University of Westminster has been awarded a grant of £507,000 from the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) to support research into smart grids.
An important aspect of smart grid deployment will be the greater efficiency and use of renewable generation in power networks.
Spin-offs for consumers may include more accurate metering and billing.
“Smart grids promise to transform the way that all users of electricity systems – produces and consumers – interact with each other. However, there is no shared vision as to where the smart grid concept might take us. This project will make an important contribution in terms of exploring the possibilities," said Professor Jim Skea, research director of the UKERC.
Smart grids will include monitoring and data processing capabilities which will allow operators to respond to the behaviour and actions of all electrical power users.
"The grids offer clear potential to contribute to the UK’s policy goals of a transition to a low-carbon economy by transforming the way the UK produces, delivers and consumes energy as well as keeping the UK at the forefront of research into energy networks and services," said the University of Westminster statement.
Researchers at Brunel University, Cardiff University, University of Exeter, and the University of Nottingham are all contributing to this leading-edge project. This two-year project is bringing together some of the UK’s leading researchers in energy policy, behavioural psychology, energy networks engineering, and energy regulation and economics.
“The framework, in line with UKERC’s aims, will provide keystrategic insights which will help steer the development and implementation of smart grids and understand and manage the relevant risks and barriers," said Dr. Nazmiye Ozkan, senior research fellow, University of Westminster, Policy Studies institute.
"This project will bring new knowledge regarding possible UK energy system transitions, which will help to provide a more complete and accurate understanding of the implications for people and society, and provide valuable support for government decisions on UK policy,” said Ozkan.
