Smart and flexible energy systems will be needed if the UK is to meet its world-leading commitments to tackling climate change by 2050. Meeting the increasing demand for electricity, as fossil fuels are phased out, will require a system that ensures the supply of clean energy from renewable sources is guaranteed even when the wind is not blowing or the Sun is not shining.
The 'Smart Systems and Flexibility Plan and Energy Digitalisation Strategy', published jointly by the government and Ofgem, is intended to deliver on the commitments made by the government in its 'Energy White Paper' and represent a step forward on the path to providing flexibility for the nation’s energy network.
According to the joint coalition, unleashing the full potential of smart systems and flexibility in the energy sector could reduce the costs of managing the system by up to £10bn a year by 2050, as well as generate up to 10,000 jobs for system installers, electricians...