Utilities

An essential partner offering independent and technology-agnostic, whole systems expertise to accelerate the path to Net Zero

Accelerating energy suppliers and network companies to Net Zero

Energy Systems Catapult takes a whole systems view of the zero carbon innovation landscape. Helping energy suppliers and network operators identify the right pathway to Net Zero by 2050 – by utilising whole systems modelling, systems engineering and identifying supply chain solutions with high-growth potential innovators.

We also offer consumer insight capabilities, alongside unique tools and labs, that allow energy companies to trial new service propositions and business models before offering it to their own customers.

Testing with real consumers can be achieved with our Home Truths Consumer Panel or through our Living Lab test and demonstration environment.

What we offer

Energy Systems Catapult provides utilities with the whole systems insights and access to innovations needed to accelerate them and their customers to Net Zero.

Whole Systems Modelling

Modelling the complex interactions between the physical, digital and market systems, across power, gas, heat, and transport, from generation to consumers and at the level of household, local area and nationally.

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Systems Engineering

Supporting physical, digital and market integration of zero carbon innovations into home, local or national energy systems.

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Markets, Policy and Regulation

Providing evidence to government to ensure policy, regulation and support arrangements create the right conditions for zero carbon markets.

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Consumer Insight and Propositions Design

Research, design and test new products, service propositions and business models with real consumers before taking them to customers.

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Test and Demonstration

Offering a range of testing labs, tools and expertise that draws on cutting-edge data science, whole systems modelling and in-depth consumer insights.

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Energy Launchpad

Providing a 360 ⷪ view of the zero carbon innovation landscape across the whole energy system to identify the most high-growth innovations and supply chain solutions.

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Business Model Innovation

Well-designed business models help companies to de-risk new innovations, streamline operations and maximise the value they create for customers.

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Harnessing Digital and Data

Developing digital strategies for utilities to help businesses and their customers adapt to a digitalised energy system.

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How to work with us

Energy Systems Catapult offers technical, commercial and policy expertise to drive Net Zero innovation across the whole energy system.

We are not-for-profit, independent and technology-agnostic – building a trusted track record of delivering thought leadership, collaborative R&D and commercial commissions – so are uniquely placed to take on the challenges that others cannot tackle.

We use our grant-funding to develop capabilities, tools and labs – from world-class Net Zero modelling and cutting-edge systems engineering, through to digital and data science and real-world innovation trials that drive start-ups to success.

Supporting, convening and advising government, academia, industry, local/regional authorities, investors and SMEs to create new markets that unleash innovation and define the pathway to Net Zero.

Collaborate with us

We work with partners from the public and private sectors to secure funding and collectively deliver the thought leadership and innovation projects that tackle the hardest challenges in the way to Net Zero.

Commission us

We offer technical, commercial and policy expertise through our independent evidence and insights to identify and deliver Net Zero innovation priorities. Then actively support clients to develop actionable plans for implementation.

Case Studies

Commission us

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.

Commission us

Offering utilities independent whole energy system modelling and insights, systems engineering and digital strategies to identify the right pathway to net zero by 2050.

Collaborate with us

Partner with Energy Systems Catapult to deliver collaborative R&D projects that accelerate the path to Net Zero.