The Building Research Establishment (BRE), has announced a collaboration with Power Transition to host a Smart MicroGrid Demonstrator at its Science Park in Watford.
The application of smart microgrid technology, developed by Power Transition and a first-of-its-kind, aims to demonstrate how this solution can be utilised by commercial and industrial (C&I) sites.
These sites account for 40% of the UK’s energy consumption, and it is hoped that the new technology will help site owners and operators reduce energy costs (estimated at £33.9bn annually in the UK) and meet their net zero targets.
Power Transition’s Smart MicroGrid solution for C&I sites combines software and hardware technologies with AI and machine learning to optimise generation, storage and energy usage.
BRE and Power Transition believe this project will provide a launchpad for this innovative smart MicroGrid technology. This includes intelligent devices and DSR services, to deliver the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS) objectives for a ‘smart and secure electricity system’.
Opportunities for improved cyber security, technology integration and remote load control will be developed and researched further, before being rolled out more widely to help other premises cut their energy use, costs, and carbon footprint.
Gillian Charlesworth, CEO of BRE, said: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with Power Transition on the Smart Microgrid project at the BRE Science Park. Hosting Power Transition’s Digital Energy Platform at the BRE site will provide a world first commercial demonstrator and testbed to showcase how smart technology can deliver a wealth of benefits for businesses and wider society.
“By reducing demand and shifting loads, businesses can effectively respond to unprecedented costs for energy, whilst also cutting their carbon footprint. Two major priorities for all businesses right now.”
Karl Walker, chief operating officer at Power Transition, added: “We are thrilled to be working in collaboration with the BRE, to develop a re-usable testbed for new and novel use-cases, which include site energy optimisation, flexibility and EV charging management.
This project has the opportunity to be a game changer for energy-intensive businesses who are having to navigate rising costs, and we’re confident of the positive results, carbon impact and replicability that this project will produce.”
Image: BRE Science Park in Watford
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