Race to the Net-Zero target is on! In order to achieve this target, the way we buy and consume energy should require an overhaul. Shifting to renewable energy generation enabled by local energy markets could be the key to meeting this ambitious target set out by the UK government.
At present, no technology exists which can single-handedly bring an entire country to Net-Zero. Each building, locality or city will require bespoke solutions which meet its unique infrastructure and needs.
Qbots Energy, Manchester-based energy technology company have developed their local energy trading & optimisation platform utilising the latest AI and IoT technologies that enable the achievement of this challenging target.
To kickstart the creation of smart local energy systems, the Department of Energy (BEIS) has awarded £25.5 million through UKRI to fund research & demonstration projects. Through these UK-wide local “smart energy” projects, BEIS aims to cut carbon emissions and energy bills. Over 250,000 people could have their homes powered by local renewable sources by 2030 – which could lead to their energy bills reducing by as much as half, thanks to this government funding.
Kwasi Kwarteng, minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, said that
“Every corner of the UK has a part to play as we eliminate our contribution to climate change entirely by 2050. This funding will deliver energy savings and reduce carbon emissions – a win-win for communities and the environment.”
Two of these projects are undertaken by Qbots Energy with its promising technology and proven track record to provide huge cost savings through its energy management services. Qbots are looking to launch their digital energy services marketplace platform called QEnergy™ which helps businesses get the cheapest green energy, working with generators & energy suppliers in the UK. QEnergy™ will use its technology to balance the supply and demand of energy across a network of sites, by optimising the time of energy use in realtime and utilising battery storage, thereby maximising the use of local generation & minimising buying energy from the National Grid, especially at peak times.
Through Urban-X project (£400k), Qbots Energy will work with Keele University to improve the performance of the local energy trading platform by connecting with 10 buildings on their campus while utilising demand flexibility, battery storage, solar generation and EV charging. Following on from this project, Qbots will further target private network clients in the UK including 126 University Campuses, 135 acute non-specialist hospital trusts, over 100 science parks, airports and new commercial property developments.
To test and develop this technology on a city-wide scale, Qbots Energy will be working with Warrington Borough Council (WBC), Together Energy (Energy Supplier), Leapfrog Finance (Renewable Financing) and Scottish Power Energy Networks (Distribution Network Operator) as part of £2.8 million REWIRE-NorthWest detailed design project. It will explore the potential economic, political, social and environmental costs and benefits of the local energy system, policy changes needed and consider how these impacts can be distributed equitably. The project will optimise the current energy infrastructure in Warrington and to deliver an average cost savings of 25% for businesses and households, creating a pathway to net-zero.
Rob Saunders, Challenge Director, Prospering from the Energy Revolution, UKRI said:
“The winners of both the designs and the technology competitions show the breadth of innovation that the government is helping to flourish across the UK. This innovation provides new approaches to delivering our net-zero commitments by delivering cleaner, cheaper energy services while creating more prosperous and resilient communities. But as well as their benefits to consumers, these projects, as part of the Clean Growth Industrial Strategy Grand Challenge, place the UK industry at the forefront of the global shift to clean energy systems and economies.
These projects will position Qbots Energy as a market leader in developing local energy systems in the UK and to be rolled out across different industries. Qbots aims to also take this technology to global markets including China, India, Canada, Nigeria etc in the near future.
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Prospering from the Energy Revolution Challenge, a competition ran as part of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will contribute to the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The winners hope to create a pipeline of highly innovative, ambitious and investable local energy system designs that will be ready to roll out across the UK in the 2020s. Urban-X and Rewire-NW are the two projects that Qbots Energy are involved in.
Qbots Energy is looking to revolutionise the way energy is being traded to play an integral part in achieving Net-Zero and saving energy cost. Today, Qbots Energy leads multiple grand-scale commercialised projects to lead the UK to this ambitious target. The seamless integration of this energy management and recommendation system with the energy contracts through QEnergy™ makes it easier for consumers and prosumers alike to spend less time while having a fair contribution in the goal towards a better world for everyone.
