A Smart Grid is an electricity network that can intelligently integrate the actions of all users connected to it - generators, consumers and those that do both - in order to efficiently deliver a sustainable, efficient and secure supply of energy.
Smarter Grids: The Opportunity
‘Smarter Grids: The Opportunity’ was published in December 2009. The document is available below:
The Electricity Networks Strategy Group (ENSG) has also published A Smart Grid Vision. ENSG is an industry led policy advisory committee co-chaired by DECC and Ofgem. The Smart Grid Working Group within ENSG has produced this vision as industry led ambition for the development of a Smart Grid.
There is a need to transform the entire electricity system, with major changes to the way power is generated, moved and consumed .There is also a need to produce more electricity than we do today but must do so largely without emitting greenhouse gases. We will need to generate electricity from low carbon sources such as renewables, nuclear and fossil fuel plants fitted with carbon capture and storage.
These changes would need to be supported by a modernised electricity grid with larger capacity and the ability to manage greater fluctuations in supply, while maintaining security of supply. But this larger, smarter grid, together with other elements of the new electricity system, such as smart meters, microgeneration of electricity by individuals and businesses, smart appliances and electric vehicles, will also offer consumers a whole set of new opportunities for greater control over and choice in how they use electricity.
The smart grid therefore lies at the centre of this vision for a transformed low carbon electricity system. It forms the backbone of the new system, but it will be intelligent, flexible and responsive.
Smart Grid Demonstration Fund: Capital Grants Programme
Smart Grids: The Opportunity coincides with the up to £6 million of funding to demonstrate Smart Grid technologies.
The Low Carbon Investment Fund is contributing up to £6 million to demonstrate Smart Grid technology during 2009/10 and 2010/11.
The objective of the Smart Grid Capital Grants Programme is to foster ongoing learning, capability development and evaluation in the emerging space of smart grid. Applications are encouraged from all organisations that can engage with the challenges associated with smart grid development.
Before completing an application form, applicants are requested to email the Call Manager to register with the programme, and are urged to carefully read the call for proposals and the guidance notes, both available below:
For all enquiries, please email AEA Technology at smartgridgrants@uk.aeat.com
Responses to enquiries will be generally posted on the enquiries page within 48 hours of submission.
Phone enquiries can be made to the call manager, Lisa Beardmore on 0870 190 8242.