Join Energy Futures Lab for the launch of its latest briefing paper, Smart and Flexible Electric Heat, examining the potential for smart flexible low-carbon electric heating in UK homes and the challenges for consumer engagement.
Abstract
The electrification of heat is anticipated to play a major role in the UK’s efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. Heating demand is highly variable between seasons and time of day. To take maximum advantage of low-carbon generation, and to respect the limitations of the distribution grid, electricity loads for heating will need to be flexible. This Briefing Paper explores the potential for smart flexible low-carbon electric heating in UK homes and the challenges for consumer engagement. This paper considers four key elements for enabling smart, flexible and cost-effective electric heating in UK homes: low-carbon heating systems to replace fossil fuel use; cost-reflective electricity pricing to incentivise load- shifting; thermally efficient buildings to reduce consumption and enable pre-heating; and smart storage devices to enable load-shifting.
Format
This event will take place online. Lead author Dr Richard Carmichael will deliver a presentation on the briefing paper. This will be followed by a live Q&A with our panel chaired by UKERC Director and briefing paper co-author Professor Robert Gross.
Panel
- Juliet Davenport OBE – Founder & CEO, Good Energy
- Jenny Hill – Head of Buildings, Industry and Bioenergy, Committee on Climate Change
- Dr Jan Rosenow – Director of European Programmes, Regulatory Assistance Project
Venue
This is an online event. Details will be sent to attendees by email in advance.
About Energy Futures Lab
Energy Futures Lab is one of six Global Institutes at Imperial College London. The institute was established to address global energy challenges by identifying and leading new opportunities to serve industry, government and society at large through high quality research, evidence and advocacy for positive change. The institute aims to promote energy innovation and advance systemic solutions for a sustainable energy future by bringing together the science, engineering and policy expertise at Imperial and fostering collaboration with a wide variety of external partners. The Energy Futures Lab Briefing Papers are periodic reports aimed at all stakeholders in the energy sector. They bring together expertise from across Imperial College London to provide clarity on a wide range of energy topics.