Energy projects get extra spark from £20m boost

New systems needed to cope with car charging and renewable sources

Three “globally innovative” projects, one to be trialled in Fife, to deliver flexible energy systems for customers are sharing £20.6 million of funding from regulator Ofgem.

SP Energy Networks is developing new technologies to help create a smart electricity grid capable of coping with rising demand for power to charge electric cars and other low carbon technologies.

SP will also lead a separate research scheme called Fusion, to be trialled in the East Fife area.

The UK’s electricity network has been traditionally largely based on supply with electricity generated by a small number of large power stations.

However, the rise in demand for power for electric vehicles and other low carbon technologies like heat pumps for homes, coupled with an upsurge in customers wanting to connect their own renewable energy sources, has led to a pressing need to develop a smart grid.

Fusion will receive £5.3m for a fiveyear trial project. It will create what is said to be the UK’s first “intelligent” local energy marketplace where energy flexibility can be bought and sold by consumers in an open market.

It is anticipated it could save customers more than £200m by 2050.

Ofgem also announced £7.3m funding for a five-year trial of the LV Engine project, a new type of power transformer which can provide a direct current (DC) power supply – essential for electric vehicle charging.

These two projects are in addition to the £8.01m of funding announced in October to create a smart and flexible energy system for customers in Dumfries and Galloway.