Smart energy systems are critical to realising Net Zero. As the energy system becomes more decentralised, digitised, democratised and electrified, we need to better enable flexibility in order to deal with peak demand. The West Midlands is home to significant smart energy system assets with a strong foundation of innovators, utilities, companies, and world-class research and innovation.

What is a smart energy system?

The UK’s energy system is in the midst of a transformation, moving from a largely centralised system to a decentralised, more dynamic, complex and increasingly interconnected one. Or a smart energy system.

A smart energy system is defined as an approach in which smart electricity, thermal and gas grids are combined and coordinated to identify synergies between them in order to achieve an optimal solution for each individual sector as well as for the overall energy system.

The West Midlands Combined Authority’s vision

The West Midlands Smart Energy Systems Cluster aims to unite businesses, innovators and other regional capabilities to ensure the West Midlands capitalises on the opportunity for a smarter, more flexible energy system, benefitting citizens and enabling regional businesses to lead this charge for the UK.

“Our vision is to establish the West Midlands as the business-led centre of excellence for the design and application of smart and flexible energy systems in the UK by 2030. Building on our existing regional expertise we will support and enable the sustainable growth of the supply chain; working to reduce barriers and exploit opportunities to drive business growth and economic prosperity and support the region’s transition to Net Zero.”

Who is involved in the Cluster?

The Smart Energy Systems Cluster is led by Energy Systems Catapult and is funded and supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority. The Cluster benefits from a supportive public policy environment, with smart energy systems recognised as a key cluster for regional growth within the West Midlands Plan for Growth, working closely with Energy Capital to align the Cluster to the Regional Energy Strategy.

The cluster is a cross-sector collaboration across industry, the public sector, university research centres and innovation infrastructure, national companies, utilities and innovators.