The Energy Systems Catapult is taking on delivery of the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) Smart Systems and Heat (SSH) Programme, its first major project.
The ETI’s SSH programme aims to “create future-proof and economic local heating solutions for the UK, by connecting together the understanding of consumer needs and behaviour with the development and integration of technologies and new business models into enhanced knowledge to deliver industry and investor confidence to implement changes in heat provision in the UK”.
Philip New, CEO of the Energy Systems Catapult, commented: “The programme provides the foundation for location-specific energy systems design that should help deliver low carbon heating for the UK out to 2050 and beyond. This programme fits really well with the aims and approaches of the Catapult, and with the transition of the team from the ETI I am confident that the programme will be a continued success.”
Phase One will see the SSH team at the Catapult working with three local authorities (Bridgend, Greater Manchester & Newcastle) to create the capability to deliver local area energy plans specific to their communities. The programme will also undertake a number of consumer behaviour, technology development, business modelling and supply-chain activities to create heat supply and demand products and services that meet consumer needs. In Phase Two, the plan is to undertake a demonstration of the designed local smart energy systems to prove the concept and methodology, importantly proving that the capability and approach can be adopted nationally, providing an evidence base for future supportive policy.
