An essential partner offering independent and technology-agnostic, whole systems expertise to accelerate the path to Net Zero
Accelerating energy 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.
Learn more
Systems Engineering
Supporting physical, digital and market integration of zero carbon innovations into home, local or national energy systems.
Learn more
Markets, Policy and Regulation
Providing evidence to government to ensure policy, regulation and support arrangements create the right conditions for zero carbon markets.
Learn more
Consumer Insight and Propositions Design
Research, design and test new products, service propositions and business models with real consumers before taking them to customers.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
Business Model Innovation
Well-designed business models help companies to de-risk new innovations, streamline operations and maximise the value they create for customers.
Learn more
Harnessing Digital and Data
Developing digital strategies for utilities to help businesses and their customers adapt to a digitalised energy system.
Learn more
How to work with us
Energy Systems Catapult provides technical, commercial and policy expertise to drive innovation across the whole energy system.
Our independent and technology-agnostic approach, has built a trusted track record in delivering thought leadership, collaborative R&D and commercial commissioning.
Providing a range of 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.
Commission us
Supporting energy companies and networks, industrial sites and commercial businesses to navigate to Net Zero.
Collaborate with us
Supporting government, local authorities and innovators to create the new policies, markets, business models and technologies we need to deliver Net Zero.
Case Studies
Systems Engineering
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.
Consumer Insight & Proposition Design, plus Test & Demonstration
Bristol Energy became the first energy supplier in the UK to trial selling Heat-as-a-Service tailored to customers individual home and behaviour.
Energy Systems Catapult helped Bristol Energy design the proposition with our Consumers Insight team before carrying out Test and Demonstration in our Living Lab. Offering both fixed price and pay-as-you-go Heat Plans, customers purchased hours of warmth for their home rather than of buying units of energy (kWh).
The trial helped Bristol Energy test an innovative business model selling a smart energy service that gave consumers improved control over cost and comfort. This attracted new customers who switched to a Heat Plan and the data helped them design, tailor and target a range of new Heat Plans, including suitable retrofit options for each customer.
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.
Contact usCollaborate with us
Partner with Energy Systems Catapult to deliver collaborative R&D projects that accelerate the path to Net Zero.
Contact us