We help Networks succeed in the future energy system with whole-systems expertise, trusted independent insights, and bespoke practical solutions
Accelerating Networks towards Net Zero
Energy Systems Catapult are experts in whole-systems decarbonisation, so whatever support your Network needs on your Net Zero journey, talk to us about how we can help you.
Seize your systems future
We deliver trusted whole systems insights to help you future-proof assets, develop new business models and maintain operability right to the edge of your network and to consumers beyond.
Navigate systems complexity
Our unique blend of technology, digital and systems integration expertise, coupled with access to cutting-edge innovators helps networks identify emerging challenges and solutions for the Net Zero transition.
Invest confidently in local infrastructure
We support better local decision-making, in step with regional and national strategies, with local area energy plans, independent evidence and stakeholder alignment.
Deliver a just transition
Our leading Fair Futures programme delivers innovation, trials and evidence to help Networks support low income and vulnerable consumers.
Latest news, projects and events with Network Operators
News
SP Energy Networks and Energy Systems Catapult form Strategic Partnership
Click here for more
Project
Hy-Fair – Fairer Warmth Hub
Click here for more
Page
Network Operators
Click here for more
News
“New power lines can be built in half the time,” finds keenly awaited Electricity Networks Commissioner report
Click here for more
Project
Project ‘Inform’ – Northern Powergrid
Click here for more
Project
Automatic Asset Registration
Click here for more
Follow us on LinkedIn
Join 20,000 others and receive our latest news, reports and insights instantly
Follow UsCase Studies
Future Energy Grids for Wales
The Senedd Cymru has set the highly ambitious target for Wales to reach Net Zero by 2050. Welsh Government intends to establish Wales as a global leader both in technologies that will power the future, and in global responsibility.
But Wales’ Net Zero ambitions require a re-examination of the infrastructure needed to deliver rapid and effective change, and to ensure Wales’ citizens are not left behind because of infrastructure designed for past needs.
The Welsh Government appointed Energy Systems Catapult, as an independent and trusted body, to develop scenarios of the various paths Wales could take to decarbonise the energy system, drawing on the perspectives of a wide range of people across Wales for the Future Energy Grids for Wales project.
The Catapult used their Energy System Modelling Environment (ESME) to develop future scenarios for a Net Zero Welsh energy system by 2050. These scenarios, including different sensitivities, were supported by a review of existing evidence and engagement with network operators, Ofgem, and the Welsh Government. There were two baseline whole energy system scenarios developed for Wales called ‘Technology-Optimistic’ and ‘Societally Optimistic’, which each focus respectively on a narrative with success in technology innovation and improved consumer awareness and engagement.
The Future Energy Grids for Wales report found:
Achieving Net Zero requires a fundamental change in how the Welsh energy system is planned, developed, integrated and operated. Carbon Budgets and infrastructure and market lead times, mean many actions are needed soon.
Key changes and impacting factors include:
- Significant network reinforcement will be required across electricity distribution and transmission networks, driven by increases in peak demand and renewables.
- Substantial electrification across heat, transport and industry (annual electricity demand rose by up to 20TWh by 2050 in the scenarios assessed), but there are challenges with meeting peak demands, particularly peak heat –other technology options need to be explored.
- A large increase in renewable deployment in Wales (up to 6.6GW in 2030 and 18.2GW by 2050).
- The scale and production method for hydrogen which has a significant impact on the whole energy system, (e.g. green hydrogen increases electricity demand).
The reports set out 12 recommendations and detail on the implications for energy networks in Wales.
Dynamic systems modelling for a Cold Start
Energy Systems Catapult collaborated with UK Power Networks (UKPN) under Network Innovation Allowance funding to investigate the behaviour of domestic electricity consumers and the distribution network supplying them under a Cold Start scenario in 2030.
With electrification of heating and transport expected to be at far higher level in the next decade, an extended power outage under severe weather conditions would lead to a sudden demand surge to levels far higher than normal peak levels as electrical devices are reactivated.
Using an innovative simulation tool, our Systems Engineering team created dynamic models using a portion of real electricity network to understand the physical impacts of fault conditions on energy assets and appliances within the network under different outage scenarios. A range of metrics were produced, including power flows, voltages, loading and balancing.
The results will allow UKPN to identify:
- Network areas with high risk of adverse effects from power restoration after Cold Start.
- Mitigation measures such as operational policies, network controls, demand-side flexibility and conventional reinforcement.
- Explore novel mitigation methods based on in-home appliance flexibility.
Driving innovation with open data
Energy Systems Catapult led both the Energy Data Taskforce (EDTF) and subsequent Energy Digitalisation Taskforce (EDiT), both commissioned by the UK Government, Ofgem and Innovate UK to develop an integrated data and digital strategy to helps unlock the opportunities of a modern, decarbonised and decentralised energy system for the benefit of consumers.
Described as “game-changing” by the ENA, the taskforces engage with hundreds of organisations and kick-started over 50 digital and data projects within two years of beginning.
This included our Digital & Data team working with National Grid (formerly WPD) to help the network operator to improve internal data processes and release more data – resulting in the launch of their Connected Data Portal which now hosts almost 100 open datasets about National Grid’s network infrastructure and operations, including a number of live data sources.
To increase engagement with the newly published data, the Catapult helped to identify some key challenges that could be solved with data and engaged the innovator community through data challenge competitions.
Outcomes of the Presumed Open Data challenge included:
- 365 Registrations for the kick-off event with individuals come from 72 different organisations/institutions, 15 different countries and 30 universities
- 55 teams – a total of 142 individuals – participated in a least one round
- By the 5th round of tasks, 37 teams survived and and of those 65% outscored the benchmark with the Top 5 teams participating in a special “Value in Energy Data Seminar”
- A number participants publishing their work in peer reviewed academic journals and highlighting our data challenge approach as a useful way to link academic talent with industry need.
Inclusive Innovation: Safeguarding the switch to domestic hydrogen
The UK Government is exploring the possibility of switching some homes from natural gas to hydrogen to help the country reach net zero carbon emissions.
Wales & West Utilities commissioned Energy Systems Catapult to run a project to understand how to enable this transition to work well for vulnerable consumers, if it is undertaken.
Our Fair Futures team engaged with a series of industry experts and reviewed the available evidence. This helped to understand what a transition of domestic properties from natural gas to hydrogen is likely to entail for consumers, and what steps should be considered to enable the transition to go well.
Once the process was defined, we then engaged with consumers in a variety of vulnerable situations to discuss any challenges the proposed process may present to them. In understanding these challenges, the project then sought to further engage with both a range of experts and vulnerable consumers to co-create appropriate packages of support to preserve wellbeing during a transition to hydrogen.
The Inclusive Innovation: Safeguarding the Switch to Domestic Hydrogen project was able to successfully map out the key consumer touch points during a transition and identify what demands could be placed on consumers.
This enabled appropriate packages of support to be designed that should be considered when seeking to support affected residents during each of the following eventualities – that could occur during a transition to domestic hydrogen.
Products and Services
Pioneering a whole systems approach to accelerating local places to Net Zero
Whole Systems Modelling
We equip Network Operators with evidence and insights to create plans that support low cost, no-regret investment decisions on local energy infrastructure.
Learn more
Whole Energy Systems Accelerator
Our world-first test facility helps Networks to better understand (in real-time) how emerging innovations impact networks across a range of future system and market scenarios.
Learn more
Harnessing Digital & Data
We support Networks with evidence and insight to shape their digitalisation strategies, develop best practice, identify emerging problems and work with cutting-edge innovators to find solutions.
Learn more
Local Area Energy Planning
Our pioneering data-driven, collaborative and cost effective Net Zero action plans are widely recognised as the leading approach to decarbonise local places.
Learn more
Support a just energy transition
We help Network Operators deliver a just energy transition by designing and trialling approaches that support low income and vulnerable consumers.
Learn more
Markets, Policy & Regulation
Our energy policy, regulatory, and market design expertise can help you understand, innovate and adapt to changes coming in the Net Zero energy market.
Learn more
Power Systems Engineering for network challenges
We offer you a structured approach to managing risk, lowering costs and accelerating innovations, with capabilities and tools that support the full lifespan of an integrated system solution.
Learn more
Contact us
If you are interested in working with us, contact us by completing the form and one of the team will be in touch.
Contact usWant to know more?
Find out more about how Energy Systems Catapult can help you and your teams
Get in touch
Want to know more?
Find out more about how Energy Systems Catapult can help you and your teams