Good Energy commissioned Energy Systems Catapult to carry out whole system scenario modelling – with the specific constraints of allowing no nuclear power or fossil fuel energy supply – to determine if Net Zero by 2050 was still possible.

We utilised our Energy System Modelling Environment – which is a peer reviewed, least cost optimisation model. Plus our new ESME FLEX – which provides a greater level of detail into how the energy system might function under Good Energy’s chosen scenarios.

The SFM platform produces highly granular dispatch information and explores the different roles and responsibilities of energy technologies and services in 2050, on an hour-by-hour basis.

Good Energy used the modelling results to compile a report supporting their efforts to increase renewable energy generation and storage in the coming decades.

Energy Systems Catapult was commissioned by the Offshore Wind Industry Council  to (a) consider the impact of very high levels of offshore wind on the energy system, and how these impacts could be mitigated; and, (b) identify opportunities to strengthen offshore wind’s role in delivering innovative solutions to system integration.

We utilised our internationally peer-reviewed, least cost optimisation model Energy Systems Modelling Environment and our new ESME Flex, the report “Solving the offshore wind integration challenge”, to analyse a large number of possible future energy system configurations.

The analysis found:

• At least 50-70GW of offshore wind was deployed in almost all scenarios to 2050, underlining its important future role in the UK energy system.
• Credible systems are possible at significantly higher levels, with up to 150GW systems modelled.
• Hydrogen plays an important role in decarbonising certain sectors, particularly industry and some transport and heating.
• Future systems with a diverse generation mix, including clean thermal and nuclear power, have advantages over a system dominated by a single technology.
• Reform of electricity markets is essential to unlock the potential of offshore wind, and ensure a more flexible demand side is established to match higher penetrations of wind.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority is working in collaboration with Energy Systems Catapult and their 10 local authorities to develop Local Area Energy Plans across the city.

The 10 LAEPs will explore the unique local characteristics of each borough, including the types of buildings, transport systems, local industry, local energy generation, storage and distribution assets to help better understand how energy could be generated, distributed and used in the future.

The insights will inform the creation of the Local Energy Market across Greater Manchester, helping to guide investment in measures like electric vehicle (EV) charging, energy storage capacity, decarbonisation of heating including introducing hydrogen where appropriate, home retrofit requirements for existing building stock and the development of local solar PV and hydropower generation.

Greater Manchester will also be the first place in the UK to utilise a new online public engagement and consultation process developed by Energy Systems Catapult, called zerocarbon.vote.

This will inform residents about the low carbon options that might be available in their neighbourhood based on the LAEPs and gather feedback and insight about their preferences.

The first Local Area Energy Plan is being delivered for Bury, with Salford and Manchester following. All 10 boroughs will follow by March 2022.

Cllr Andrew Western, GMCA Lead for the Green City-Region, said: “This marks a key step in this innovative project being pioneered here in Greater Manchester and one that will be a key element of our carbon-neutral ambitions by 2038.

“The local Area Energy Plans will help us optimise our energy consumption through localised systems in each of the 10 boroughs, making it more efficient and cost-effective for residents and businesses.  This is the first project of its kind to be delivered at this scale.

“This is the smart way forward and working together with our partners we can lay the groundwork for a low carbon future.”

Watch the case study:

Senergy developed a solar thermal panel designed to deliver affordable heating. Unlike solar PV made from glass, copper and aluminium components, Senergy’s panels are 100% polymer plastic – increasing their thermal efficiency whilst reducing delivery and installation costs.

Currently, Senergy operate as a manufacturer, selling panels as part of a building’s heating system. However, recognising the value of the panel’s aesthetic and structural properties, provides an opportunity to adapt their commercialisation strategy to reach other target markets both in the UK and abroad.

Energy Systems Catapult worked with Senergy via our Energy Launchpad, including:

• Home Energy Dynamics – using our ground-breaking simulation tool, our Modelling experts helped validate the performance of the product with a range of housing types and occupancy profiles to understand the value proposition and economic benefits.
• Digital Energy Fitness Assessment – our Digital and Data team assessed the digital readiness of both the innovation and the business
• Business Model Innovation – our experts helped to refine their business model, how they pitch to customers and developed their route to various markets.

Energy Systems Catapult’s support helped Senergy to:

• Validate a plan to compete like-for-like with solar PV, and to integrate the product with other technologies, such as heat pumps and thermal batteries to help reduce heating costs during the winter period.
• Progress the TRL of their product from 4 to 6.
• Win three new pilot customers to carry out demonstrations.
• Find new partners to collaborate, integrating the product into complete home heating solutions.
• Secure £130,000 of funding to invest in progressing the TRL towards commercialisation and build internal capabilities to become investor ready.