Flex Community™ – How flexible we can be around the times we use electricity?
BWCE are working alongside 15 European partners from 8 countries in a research project (funded by the European Union Horizon 2020 programme) exploring how to:-
Make the most efficient use of renewable energy to meet our household electricity demand.
BWCE are working with Avalon Community Energy (ACE), to run the UK demo of ReDREAM and we need participants to help us in this innovative trial.
The project is called Flex Community™ because we are exploring how ‘flexible’ households can be around the times they use electricity, so we can work out how best to match household demand to when there are more renewables available on the local grid network.
Why are we doing this?
Clean renewable energy is the way of the future, 40% of the UK’s electricity came from renewables in 2020, which is expected to keep increasing to meet Net Zero carbon targets.
Matching supply to demand
There’s a challenge! Renewable sources can’t be turned up and down as needed, so we currently rely on fossil fuels to make up any shortfall at peak times.
Reducing the energy rush hour
Demand peaks at around 6pm as people get home from work, which doesn’t always match when renewables are at their strongest.
Meeting household demand
Matching some household electricity use to times when renewables are generating, smooths out peaks in demand. Avoiding the high cost and environmental impacts of grid upgrades.
Our Flex Community™ research projects
Community Solar trial
Householders in Bishop Sutton and surrounding villages are helping us to monitor the use of solar energy from our Stowey Ground solar array.
Solar Electricity Trading trial
Householders in Bath and Shepton Mallet are helping us to simulate the trading of excess domestic solar electricity between neighbours.
Energy technology flexibility trial
Householders with/or planning to invest in Electric Vehicle and charging point / Heat Pump or Electric Immersion Heater as the primary source of water heating.
Where our trials are operating
Through an initial project funded by Next Generation we have recruited participants in Bath & North East Somerset and some adjoining communities. Our focus has now shifted to also include householders living in parts of Somerset encompassing Wells, Shepton Mallet, Wedmore, Glastonbury, Street and surrounding areas.
To find out more
Contact Julia on 07784 144439 or email [email protected]
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement N°957837