But when we recently surveyed 500 businesses across Europe, only 22% said they have good control of their energy consumption, and only 14% said they have good control when it comes to staying resilient against energy market volatility. This is having a significant impact: 40% said that unpredictable energy costs are limiting their organisation’s growth trajectory.

A range of factors are at play. A tough macroeconomic environment is creating uncertainty over energy cost and supply. Ongoing regulatory changes are proving difficult to keep up with. The distanced post-pandemic workplace is making it harder to track and respond to energy demands. Growing pressure from stakeholders to decarbonise means organisations need to reevaluate the energy spectrum from the ground up.

Amid so much complexity – what steps are organisations taking to strengthen control of energy?

Our research found that there are three key focus areas:

• Organisations with greater confidence in their data deal better with energy management overall. Our results show that data leaders are more likely (by 27 percentage points) to feel they have good control over their energy consumption, compared with those with little confidence in their energy data.
• Onsite energy generation is proving a popular way to mitigate volatility. Two-fifths of the businesses we spoke to said the appeal of onsite generation was in its ability to mitigate volatility in the market. It’s easy to see why 63% of businesses said they intend to increase onsite generation capabilities over the next two years.
• Uninformed leaders are struggling to make the right investment decisions. Ineffective financial assessment frameworks are the number one factor delaying onsite generation. Re-education and reengagement of leadership is critical.

It all adds up to the need for a more assertive approach – one that’s focused on regaining control over an organisation’s energy costs and long-term sustainability.

To help you build the business case for a new strategy, download our report ‘How data, onsite generation and leadership strengthen energy control’. Inside you’ll find more information and recommendations on how to transition energy from a cost centre that drags on business growth to a resource that propels it.

The post Have businesses lost control of their energy use? appeared first on theenergyst.com.

The cash was raised thanks to the Clean Growth Fund, Eurazeo’s Smart City fund, and Aviva Ventures. The trio join existing investor Copley Point Capital in the 12 year old company.

Cheltenham-based Rendesco works with property developers including Cala Homes & Telford Homes to install low-carbon, networks based on ground sourced heat.  It also operates networks which supply clean heat and hot water to over 8,000 homes nationwide.

As Britain’s third largest source of CO₂ emissions, ridding carbon from heating buildings is a critical challenge.  Rendesco says it is at its forefront.

Today’s new investment comes Whitehall’s closing earlier this year of final consultations on the Future Homes Standard. Its final measures will underpin the incoming government’s plans to decarbonise home heat, including banning from next January the installation of gas boilers in new homes. Similar legislative measures are also driving decarbonisation across Europe.

The cash will accelerate Rendesco’s growth plans, aimed at providing a low-carbon alternative to gas grids and cutting consumers’ bills.  Part of the money will be directed at higher tech, yielding cleverer, more consumer-focused systems to manage home energy.

The new investment is separate from, but complementary to, Rendesco’s joint venture with Last Mile Heat.  Rendesco’s new build home solutions are owned by Last Mile Heat, enabling house builders to install ground source heat solutions in their developments at a considerably lower cost than with other low-carbon heat sources.  The joint venture has already developed a pipeline of £150m worth of clean heat infrastructure, boosting futureproofed heating of dwellings.

Rendesco’s founder Alastair Murray said: “I am pleased to welcome Clean Growth Fund, Eurazeo & Aviva Ventures as investors in Rendesco.

“This funding means Rendesco is incredibly well capitalised, in parallel to the significant capital available to deploy into capex costs via Last Mile Heat.  Their collective expertise and support will be invaluable as we pursue our ambitious growth plans, rapidly expanding our clean heating solutions to reach millions of homes.”

Susannah McClintock of specialist investors the Clean Growth Fund enthused: “Decarbonising heat is critical to achieving Britain’s Net Zero targets. Rendesco’s heat network solutions provide a cost-effective, efficient route to delivering the low carbon heat required for the transition away from gas to renewables. This investment aligns with our commitment to empower early-stage entrepreneurs to tackle the climate change crisis.”

The post Rendesco pumps up £6m to expand low carbon heat networks appeared first on theenergyst.com.

Jose Alves, Panasonic Regional Director for UK, Ireland and the Netherlands, commented, “We are deeply honoured by our acceptance into Eurovent. This milestone reflects our enduring commitment to excellence and collaboration within the HVAC industry. We eagerly anticipate the opportunities this membership will bring to contribute to the HVAC community’s collective success.”

Eurovent represents a diverse community of over 1,000 companies, dedicated to promoting a competitive and sustainable industry. As Corresponding Member, Panasonic will actively engage in Eurovent’s extensive range of activities, including technical and regulatory advocacy, as well as standardisation efforts crucial to shaping the future of the HVAC industry.

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Numerous, interlocking dimensions of improvement are flagged as necessary in the ENA’s Energy Innovation Atlas, a report developed by consultants LCP Delta.

LCP Delta interviewed 300 industry representatives for their views on innovation needed to achieve Net Zero. The study sought input on five key pillars of innovation;

• developing assets and infrastructure,
• facilitating digitalisation,
• managing assets and optimising systems,
• meeting customers’ needs, and
• attracting talent and investment

Over eight workshops and associated online consultations, LCP Delta and the ENA explored these key pillars to identify 24 innovation ‘way points’, characterised by knotty challenges, all requiring a vision on managers’ change of mindset and skills.

Key findings from the report include:

• Developing by 2028 a supply chain that is fit-for-purpose, able to underpin an expansion I Britain’s transmission & distribution network, enabling radical transformation in their functions
• Better communication within and external to the power industry, supporting a ‘whole systems’ approach.
• Opening up access to markets access, welcoming in smaller innovators to fair and easy participation, as well as easing funding access to smaller players.
• Clarifying a workable definition of energy storage, and freeing its providers to operate assets more proactively it across the network, against a proposed deadline of 2032.
• Communicating better with customers and the wider public, ensure roles and their consequences in who and how Britain’s energy system must be decarbonised. New skills functions and data sets are required.

Commenting on the report’s findings, Tom Veli, energy networks head at LCP Delta, the ENA’s advisors, said:

“Energy networks are at a critical point with demand beginning to increase rapidly as the low-carbon economy picks up further.

“This means that operators are facing the challenge of rapidly developing their networks as they look to accommodate the surging demand.

“This monumental shift imposes extra responsibilities on the networks, particularly in respect of interactions with customers, with the industry, alongside regulators and policymakers. The industry must drive a concerted effort into delivering the innovations that are needed.

To access the full report, click here.

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Headed by Devrim Celal, the fulfilment platform has announced a multi-year deal with municipal utility Saint John Energy, (SJE) in New Brunswick on Canada’s east coast, licencing Kraken’s end-to-end customer service platform.

As Kraken’s first partner in the North American energy market to license its customer platform, SJE can now use Kraken to support its progress towards a decentralised, decarbonised grid for its 36,000 customers.

SJE will adopt Kraken’s end-to-end utility operating system, enabling it to create & brand new green energy-focused services, deliver advanced customer care through relentlessly efficient processes, and flexibly manage its distribution network.

Kraken, which is part of Octopus Energy Group, will import and integrate all of SJE’s residential & business customers onto its all-in-one customer service, billing, optimisation, and asset management platform.

As Canada’s oldest incorporated city, Saint John on the 45^th parallel has been a test bed for electrification. Its 70,000 or so inhabitants face average January temperatures of minus 12 Celsius, and 167 days a year when temperatures do not rise above freezing point.

So the municipal power provider has had to come up with energy innovations, deemed among the most forward-looking in north America. More than 75 percent of the city’s customers have homes & premises heated by electricity. More than 70 percent of customers rent water heaters, and more than 20 percent of residents rent heat pumps.

In 2019, SJE became the world’s first utility to deploy a Tesla Megapack to store power, cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and reduce grid strain.

As the utility continues to employ solutions to reach Net Zero, the partners say Kraken’s end-to-end management platform will be critical in supporting the utility’s future energy transaction needs while easing emerging grid constraints resulting from new technologies in renewable generation and consumer low-carbon behaviours.

Greg Jackson, founder of Octopus Energy Group, said: “Around the globe, Kraken partners with some of the most trusted energy brands to decentralise, decarbonise, and above all, modernise the grid.

“Saint John Energy’s track record as an innovative early adopter makes this partnership a natural fit for us as we look to drive the energy transition worldwide. As our first utility and distribution partner in North America, we are excited to support Saint John Energy in bringing more affordable, reliable solutions to its customers in Canada.”

Ryan Mitchell, president and CEO of Saint John Energy said: “We’re proud and excited to partner with Kraken, which not only has a transformative platform but an international reputation for best-in-class solutions tailored to the energy industry.”

“Implementing its solutions will give our customers more information and control over their energy needs” Mitchell added.  “It will allow Saint John Energy to pursue more innovative solutions in clean energy and the transition to Net Zero.”

The Canadian deal follows Kraken’s recent pilot partnership to reduce grid constraints in Connecticut, its successful U.S. launch of SmartFlex, and a licensing agreement with a Texas-based energy asset manager, Tenaska.

Kraken currently looks after 54 million utility customers across the globe. Managing around 155,000 domestic devices— or over 38 GW of contracted power, it stands as one of the largest residential virtual power plants in the world.

The post Can-ada-do: Octopus’ service platform takes toehold in New Brunswick appeared first on theenergyst.com.

in December the ministry also cancelled progression of a village-scale hydrogen trial at Winlaton near Redcar, pictured.

Officials now believe the low carbon gas, in either its fossil-fuel-derived blue hue, or the cleaner green variety electrolysed with wind-generated electricity, may have a role to play in heat decarbonisation, but in slower time and in only ‘some’ locations.

D-ESNZ plans to take a final decision in 2026, after assessing evidence including from a neighbourhood-scale hydrogen trial in Fife and other studies across Europe.

Britain’s four main operators of gas networks have lobbied Whitehall hard for hydrogen to be viewed as a panacea, a high convenience, low cost replacement for methane-heavy, climate-wrecking ‘natural’ gas in Britain’s 30 million homes.

In October 2022, the then D-BEIS ministry invited the four to commit to operational trials, leading to mass deployment.  All four responded with business plans.

But the hydrogen drive had been opposed as impractical, manipulative and still polluting by advocates for electric heat.

One immediately welcomed Whitehall’s backtracking yesterday.  James Standley, chief technical officer of Truro-based Kensa, Britain’s only manufacturer of heat pumps, and a company part-owned by Octopus Energy,  said abandoning the village-scale trial was “further recognition that hydrogen has no major role to play in future home heating”.

“Every academic study on the issue, the economics and the physics demonstrates this”, Standley went on. “The government should now take the next logical step and rule out hydrogen heating for anything other than a small number of very specific cases.

Electrification, whether via heat pumps or heat networks, remains the best and quickest way to achieve clean heat while ensuring the best outcomes for consumers, Standley opined.

“The longer hydrogen remains part of the conversation”, the Kensa boss said, “the further the transition will be delayed, hampering the speed at which these already proven technologies are rolled out.”

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The collaboration will see Daikin Altherma 3 heat pumps integrated with the Hive devices to yield greater visibility for customers when controlling of home heating. This includes allowing homeowners to personalise heating schedules, track spending and set budgets, whilst also optimising their heat pump for use when electricity is cheaper and greener because there is low demand on the grid.

Customers will be able to control the usage of their heat pump via the Hive app, which is a whole home smart hub for connectivity across heating, lighting, batteries and electric vehicle chargers.

Both businesses will be trialling the integration later this year and have plans to roll out the product offering widely once the trial is complete.

Gail Parker of Hive said: “Domestic heating is one of the largest emitters of carbon in the UK and will require collaboration to address this challenge. As we integrate Daikin heat pumps with our market leading Hive technology, we are making electric heating affordable and simple by giving them the visibility they need to control their heat pump and energy usage.

“As we work towards heat pumps joining the Hive ecosystem of well-loved products, we’re providing customers with a simple way to see and manage all their devices in one easy to use app.”

Now part of British Gas, Hive launched in 2013 and claims am installed base of 2 million thermostats, enabling householders to lower their carbon footprint.

For Daikin, Iain Bevan, its director for residential new business, commented: “If the UK is going to hit its legally binding commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2050, we have to decarbonize domestic space and water heating. Combining a smart controller, like Hive, with a low carbon heat pump not only gives people more control, it can also help them get the perfect temperature and save them even more money at the same time.

“Daikin is excited to be working with Hive to fully integrate their smart controller technology with our market leading heat pump technology. This collaboration could help tens of thousands of people decarbonize their domestic heating, reducing their carbon footprint and help address climate change.”

As well as helping customers optimise their heat pump usage to make them more affordable, Hive and British Gas will shortly be launching a heat pump tariff. This will be intended to cut running costs and encourage the installation of heat pumps, still lagging at less than 40% of the rate required to reach the 600,000 parc targeted by government for 2028

The post Hive & Daikin team up to integrate heat pumps with smart home tech appeared first on theenergyst.com.

Chemicals-to-energy combine Worley and advanced battery technologists Nano One are teaming up to boost deployment of the latter’s One-Pot process.  It makes high-quality materials for cathodes, while claiming a lower environmental impact than prevailing alternatives.

Crucially, say the partners, One-Pot eliminates wastewater contaminated with sodium sulphate, a major challenge in current processes for making cathodes, the electron-emitting terminals of most batteries.

Sodium sulphates are commodities used in much industrial chemistry, including as a filler for dry detergents and in bulking up wood pulp to make paper.

The strategic alliance could be instrumental in accelerating the development and deployment of a new generation of battery cathode material plants sold and licensed to operators globally.

Nano One and Worley, a multinational with Australian origins, will integrate the One-Pot process into a design package, enabling customers to create competitive CAM production facilities to meet growing market demand.

The initial focus will be on lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) cathode chemistries. Other varieties will be addressed in time.

Worley Chemetics will design and fabricate the process reactors, incorporating metal alloys specifically designed for corrosive environments. Additionally, Nano One and Worley will continue to innovate process and plant designs to create a design-once-build-many growth strategy.

Nano One’s CEO Dan Blondal commented: “We expect this partnership to add value and significantly de-risk the One-Pot process, using Worley Chemetics’ patented metal alloys, reactor design and fabrication capability, and the technical and delivery capability of the broader Worley organisation”.

Laura Leonard, Worley’s group president for technology, fourth from left in the image above, remarked: “Nano One’s innovative One-Pot process is a game-changer for the production and performance of battery materials. Combining Nano One’s technology with our expertise and scale in battery materials will advance Worley’s growth strategy while accelerating the deployment of this important technology.”

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The star quintet showed outstanding promise among participants in the DNO’s ‘Power Among Us’ programme. They now receive apprenticeships in craft roles related to the capital’s power grid.

The ‘Power Among Us’ programme saw UK Power Networks reaching out for the first time to various youth groups across the capital, to offer work experience for young people from communities so far under-represented in the energy industry.

The initiative was inspired by the UK’s cost-of-living crisis, where significant levels of unemployment are being experienced in London. Opportunities were given to nine individuals not in employment, education or training (aka ‘NEETs’).

Participants spent two weeks in UKPN’s offices where they developed soft skills in communication and interaction with colleagues, at the same time growing to understand how the UKPN operates.

The second half of the programme saw them go out with trained engineers to see first-hand how the power network is maintained.

UK Power Networks aimed to provide interns with employability skills that can be transferred into a variety of industry sectors.  The enterprise has judged  ‘Power Among Us’ first cohort to be a success, with every intern displaying skill and determination to learn about the industry.

The regional netco, a Top 50 Inclusive Employer, has made been at pains to give opportunities to youngsters who have traditionally not considered or had difficulty in accessing careers in electrical engineering. It plans to expand the initiative to the South East and East, after the programme’s success.

UKPN’s outreach and development specialist Natasha Paramasamy was among the initiative’s leaders. “The progress and growing maturity observed in our interns are commendable, “ she noted.

“They have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly, embracing an open mindset throughout the programme. The presentations they delivered at its end reflect the positive influence it has had on their personal and professional development.”

UKPN’s director of network operations Patrick Clarke began his career as an apprentice. He added:

“I think the industry has got some way to go. It’s still not seen as an attractive industry to some young people, and certainly not to young people from diverse backgrounds.

“To make this change, fishing in many different pools is essential, so when we cast our nets there will be interest from all types of people – because the best candidates come from every part of society”.

Kamron Nicely is one of the chosen five.  “The skills that I’ve developed is learning the difference between an electrician and an electrical engineer”, he said.

“If I wasn’t offered this opportunity, I would be doing voluntary work for an electrician, which is what I was doing before this. I would say this will have a good impact on my life and change my life because hopefully, I can get to a place where I want to be.

‌”It’s going to improve my future”, Kamron added, “by giving me the experience to come across business people, working class people and build networks in the future. I’m ready to start at UK Power Networks right away to be honest. They’re saying May or September, but hopefully it will be May”.

The post Star interns celebrate UKPN’s offer of full-time roles appeared first on theenergyst.com.

The Energyst is now published monthly, if you download the app you will be notified when new issues are available and also have access to our other titles, reports and latest news from theenergyst.com.

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Earlier this month engineers from the company attended a site in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, after a tipper lorry collided with the DNO’s overhead lines.

Live current from the 33,000-volt lines surged through the lorry, bursting three tyres. The power network was locally shorted.

Fortunately no injuries were sustained, and engineers worked quickly to make the network safe.

Despite the driver’s escape, the DNO’s asset director Paul Killilea says it could have been very different.

“This was an incredibly serious incident, and I can’t stress enough how fortunate the driver was to walk away unharmed,” he said.

“Luckily, we’re only dealing with burst tyres and a power cut, but this could have been far worse. The driver is lucky to be alive.

“This should be a warning to everyone who drives large vehicles, whether HGV tippers or tractors, “ Killilea stressed, “to look out and look up. You must be aware of your surroundings and by being aware and switched on, these sorts of incidents can be avoided.”

Investigating, ENW engineers found the overhead lines were fully compliant with safety and engineering standards.

Killilea added: “I urge people to take note of our yellow ‘danger of death’ signs on our electricity poles, pylons, and substations. Keep an eye on your surroundings and stay clear of the power network.”

Parents and guardians are also asked to warn their youngsters of the dangers, including not to use items or equipment such as kites or long tent poles near overhead lines.

Killilea said; “Electricity can jump from the lines and travel down directly to the person holding them, causing serious injury or even worse. Anglers are asked to look out for overhead lines when casting and if people lose a ball or Frisbee in a substation, they are urged not to retrieve it”.

Anybody who sees anything dangerous in or around the power network can call Electricity North West on 105. For more safety advice, including a safety game for kids, go to www.enwl.co.uk/safety.

The Skelmersdale near-fatality follows a similar warning earlier this month. A man climbed onto an electricity substation roof with a pair of metal ladders to retrieve a cat.

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Energy Systems Catapult was launched in 2015 by Innovate UK, the arms-length governmental body steering marketable scientific research.

The Catapult has since built a team of nearly 300 experts across energy technologies, including engineering, consumption, financial & commercial management and energy policy. It draws on sector-leading test facilities & modelling tools, as well as data amassed in more than 500 research projects.

Dr Cocker’s 28 years of industrial experience includes spells with innovators and some of the UK’s biggest energy companies.  In the past decade he chaired both the Energy Innovation Centre and the Energy & Utilities Industrial Partnership.

He said: “The Catapult has created an impressive track record helping promising clean technology businesses to bring innovative energy products and services to market.

“With just 26 years left to hit our Net Zero target, this is an incredibly important and exciting time. We are seeing companies aiming to transform the energy system, making the transition to a zero-carbon economy easier, cheaper, more accessible, and simpler for consumers.

“There are a host of economic opportunities that innovators – large and small – can seize as we make the move to Net Zero. I look forward to helping the Catapult team to support these talented innovators to reshape the sector.”

The Catapult’s chief executive Guy Newey said: “Tony will be a fantastic addition. He brings a wealth of sector experience and expertise that will help bolster our mission to accelerate Net Zero energy innovation.

Dr Cocker will step into the role previously held since 2015 by Nick Winser CBE. The departing boss said: “Energy Systems Catapult has come so far since it was founded. We have helped deliver economic growth, supporting hundreds of companies to create new products and services that will be key to getting us to Net Zero.

“In our work in Local Area Energy Planning or Warm Home Prescription, we have ignited a spark in the innovation space to create a better approach that benefits both consumers and innovators

Based in Birmingham, Energy Systems Catapult is part of a network of nine world-leading technology and innovation centres. It fosters collaboration between industry, government, research organisations and academia.

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The facility enables transmission of up to 2GW of low carbon & renewable electricity from international interconnectors and turbines in the Thames Estuary & southern North Sea into a theoretical maximum of 1.5 million homes.

Since June 2019, NG’s power transmission division has worked with contractors Balfour Beatty and GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions to replace an existing substation on the north Kent site.

Innovative new cooling technology has eliminated the new plant’s reliance on sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆), the industry mainstay used by substation builders to stop overheating circuits fritzing out.

Engineers have deployed GE Vernova Grid Solutions’ innovative g3 gas-insulated busbar equipment, pictured, which is SF6-free.

As much as 5.6 tonnes of the atmosphere-scorching gas was saved, in line with NG’s ambition to halve its SF₆ emissions this decade, and clean all SF₆ from its electrical assets by 2050.

Net Zero construction methods were followed throughout the project, saving over 5,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions against conventional means.  An onsite biodigester to handle waste water, steel manufactured in Britain, solar-powered electrics and EV charging points were among methods deployed.

Twelve miles off the north Kent coast is the 175-turbine London Array, jointly owned by RWE, Greencoat UK Wind, Emirati investors Masdar & a Québecquois bank.   At 630MW, the London Array was the world’s most powerful marine park when opened in 2013.

Four existing super grid transformers were moved from Littlebrook’s old substation to its replacement. A new transformer was delivered in July 2022.

Installation of underground cabling, overhead line connections and GE’s switchgear – the circuit board used to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment – all featured.

Laura Mulcahy, senior project manager for NG Electricity Transmission, said: “Getting Littlebrook completed is a huge achievement for the team. We’ve had to overcome some difficult engineering and programme challenges. Reach this milestone is a real testament to the commitment and strong relationships of everyone involved.”

 Mark Wilson of GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions paid tribute. “National Grid has been a leader in removing SF6 from its network”.

“They energised our very first g3 product at their Sellindge substation in 2016”, Wilson recalled.

“This project represents the latest vote of confidence in GE Vernova’s SF6-free products which deliver the same performance and product footprint as traditional SF6 equipment, while delivering a 99% reduction in the gas contribution to global warming.”

Tony Wilson, managing director at Balfour Beatty Power Transmission and Distribution, said: “We are proud to have delivered this vital work on behalf of National Grid, using our extensive knowledge and integrated solutions in power transmission, to supply secure power to over 1.5 million homes for generations to come.”

The post Estuary ingress: Cool new Dartford subber pumps 2GW into 1.5 million homes appeared first on theenergyst.com.

A key industry embracing digital technology in the UK is the energy sector. Innovative digital tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are helping us to embrace cleaner, more efficient energy as a nation.

With green energy becoming an increasingly important topic, it’s more important than ever to embrace the tools that can help us achieve net zero targets in the future. From offshore wind turbines in Liverpool Bay to hydropower projects in Dinorwig Power Station in North Wales, there are plenty of examples where this is being put into practice.

Here’s what you need to know about the digital technology that can help us drive these projects.

Optimising Operations with AI

AI has been integral to improving data management and forecasting at an industrial scale. In this instance, it can be used to manage smart grids that control the flow of energy in a more intelligent way. Machine learning is key to the way in which smart grids can operate effectively. It can help to detect faults while assisting with energy demand and establishing what is needed to meet this demand.

Outside of this, AI can be used to assist with solar forecasts and systems that help to balance fossil fuel and renewable energy. This can help those in the industry by reducing costs and improving efficiency.

Harnessing the power of IoT

IoT is being embraced across many sectors. In this instance, it can be key for monitoring renewable energy assets and improving data collection.

Technology such as static sensors and cameras with smart technology can allow energy workers to monitor efficiency and safety with accuracy. Data-backed decisions are of utmost importance in this context.

The likes of geothermal energy can be managed remotely as well, which frees up time and resources. This is also key for improving worker safety. IoT has also made it possible to use systems like SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and performance management systems.

Even everyday technology such as smart meters has made a world of difference to those at home and across the energy sector, allowing consumers to use energy more efficiently. These offer real-time data that dictates how much energy is being used. Similar technology is used at a wider, more advanced scale at an industry level.

Data-driven decision-making with digital accounting

Digital accounting offers yet more opportunities to improve efficiency in the energy sector. It reduces the need for staff to perform manual tasks in the background that might otherwise be time-consuming.

Accounting software and cloud computing means that information can be accessed anywhere and by multiple users, which encourages a more collaborative approach. Real-time analysis also means that those who work in the energy sector can make informed investment decisions.

Empowering customers with smart grids

Smart grids are an important element of providing energy to consumers. They offer two-way communication between energy providers and those using the energy at the other end. This means that energy can be issued in a more efficient way based on consumer patterns in the home or elsewhere.

For example, more energy will be used during the daytime between certain periods. As touched on previously, this system can be powered by AI to improve efficiency.

The post 4 Digital Technologies Transforming the UK Energy Industry appeared first on theenergyst.com.

Presentation – Joy Vickers, Associate Director, Associate Director Global Energy Procurement, AstraZeneca

Presentation – Neil Garland, Head of Origination & Gareth Ball, Head of Solar and Storage of GridBeyond

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