The project is funded by the Engineering, Physics and Sciences Research Council‘s (EPSRC) Prosperity Partnership Fund and will benefit from collaboration with Strathclyde, Glasgow, Heriot Watt, and St Andrews Universities. 

The EPSRC also green-lit a UK transport digital twin project last month. This digital twin, ENSIGN (ENergy System dIGital twiN), will use AI to optimise capacity and incorporate green energy solutions into the UK’s energy network. 

Digital twins are virtual representations of physical systems, used to offer insight into the performance of that system. This energy twin will establish links between homes, businesses and the grid, allowing consumers to have a more interactive relationship with the grid, and giving retailers better insights on how to service the customers. 

“The pace of change in the energy industry is like nothing we’ve ever seen so it’s vital we can stress-test tech and services to identify the best solutions and ensure the network remains fit for purpose as we move towards an all-electric future,” said Scott Mathieson, network planning and regulation director at SP Energy Networks.

The need for the project was born out of the increased demand for decarbonising the energy grid, which currently produces 0.193 kg of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) per one kWh (Kilowatt hour) of electricity. 

For context, a mature tree can absorb up to 22 kg of CO2e per year, while the average household uses 23,500 kWh per year, producing around 4,535 kg of CO2e per year. 

“Digitalisation of the energy system is a critical step in enabling the UK’s transition to net zero carbon emissions and the digital twin will help us forecast – right down to street level – how many heat pumps can be used, or where and when it’s best to charge your electric car,” said James Yu, head of innovation at SP Energy Networks. “That will help us plan and prioritise better and ensure we provide the electricity network people don’t just want – but need.”

Recommended

• DIGIT’s Movers and Shakers June 2023
• New Study Places UK 73rd Globally for Broadband Costs
• CMA Pauses Adobe-Figma Deal as it Could ‘Harm UK Digital Economy’

The University of Strathclyde will spearhead hosting the platform, while the other universities take on modelling various aspects of the project. The digital twin initiative will also create 20 new academic research jobs over a five year period. 

Once the project is complete, its findings are expected to be shared with other distribution network operators in the UK and beyond.