Energy and climate watchdogs outline vision for net zero power grid

The government is currently off track to deliver its goal of a completely net zero power system by 2035, but experts have mapped out how it might work and what needs to happen for it to be achieved.

A new report by the Climate Change Committee, the government’s climate watchdog, illustrates what a fully decarbonised electricity supply system could look like in 2035 using real weather data and hourly analysis of Great Britain’s power system.

More focus on flexibility

One of the main conclusions is that the government should give equal focus to energy flexibility as to its existing commitments to expand homegrown renewable electricity generation.

Flexible solutions, such as smart technologies that use real-time data to control when power is consumed, stored or released onto the grid, help to smooth out peaks in demand and absorb excess renewable power on the grid by shifting power demand. This is important because UK electricity demand is expected to rocket by 50 per cent by 2035 due to homes and businesses switching to electric forms of transport and heating.

Controlled timing of electric vehicle charging and heat pumps is seen as a particularly big opportunity. For example, recent research from energy consultancy Cornwall Insight shows that ‘integrated energy solutions’ in homes and businesses that combine technologies like solar panels, battery systems and electric vehicle charging to shift power consumption from peak to non-peak times could cut wholesale energy costs by 25 per cent.

Local energy markets

Meanwhile, Ofgem has opened two consultations on the next steps for establishing a more “decentralised, decarbonised and dynamic” energy system.

The first focuses on increasing local involvement in energy markets to encourage flexible, clean energy systems right down to street-by-street, town-by-town, home-by-home level. This complements work being done in city regions such as Greater Manchester to establish smart local energy markets.

The second consultation focuses on a vision for the world’s first energy ‘super’ marketplace – a common platform that will allow more communities, businesses and organisations to buy and sell surplus electricity and services when and where they need it.

‘Radical rethink’

Akshay Kaul, interim director of infrastructure and security of supply at Ofgem, said: “We need a radical rethink of the energy system, markets and grid to establish a net zero power system by 2035. The role of local communities will be critical. That’s why we’re suggesting ways to make Britain’s energy systems and markets participatory and transparent.”

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