A user-led revolution in the way energy markets and infrastructure operates will be essential if the UK is to deliver the zero carbon energy system. That is the central conclusion from a wide-ranging new report from the Association for Decentralised Energy, which sets out how a combination of onsite heat and power generation technologies and advanced energy management systems could deliver significant financial savings for households and businesses, while enabling the rapid development of a net zero carbon energy system. It also argues the widespread adoption of smart energy management and grid balancing services should serve to place customers “at the heart of the way the UK meets its energy needs”, making it easier to engage the public with the wider net zero transition. “Whether through onsite generation, storage, energy efficiency, capturing waste heat or smart vehicle charging, the next stage of the energy revolution centres on the energy user,” said Dr Tim Rotheray, director of the ADE. The report estimates widespread efficiency upgrades could cut household energy bills by around a third, or £400 a year on average, while businesses could save £6bn through to 2030 thanks to cost effective energy efficiency measures. Similarly, the report argues energy storage systems and flexible grid services that automatically curb pressure on the grid at times of peak demand could unlock £800m in value for energy consumers through reduced bills and new financial incentives.
User-Led Revolution in Energy Markets
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