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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	ENA_10061606
Title	Net Zero Community Energy Hubs
Status	Completed
Energy Categories	Hydrogen and Fuel Cells(Hydrogen, Other infrastructure and systems R&D) 100%;
Research Types	Applied Research and Development 100%
Science and Technology Fields	SOCIAL SCIENCES (Town and Country Planning) 5%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 75%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Architecture and the Built Environment) 20%;
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation	Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy 100%
Principal Investigator	Project Contact No email address given SGN
Award Type	Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source	Ofgem
Start Date	01 April 2023
End Date	01 June 2023
Duration	2 months
Total Grant Value	£90,603
Industrial Sectors	Energy
Region	South East
Programme
Investigators	Principal Investigator	Project Contact , SGN (100.000%)
	Industrial Collaborator	Project Contact , SGN (0.000%)
Web Site	https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/10061606
Objectives
Abstract	"ProjectTo meet the aims of Innovation Challenge 4, the project will develop a model and control system (hardware/software) to facilitate an accelerated rollout of affordable, low carbon heat. Heat delivery to tens-of-thousands of residential and commercial buildings will come from community energy hubs within which multiple flexible assets operate together behind-the-meter.Hubs include:Hybrid heat networks (heat from hydrogen boilers, heat pumps and thermal stores)Green hydrogen production and distributionElectrical/thermal storageUtilisation of existing gas infrastructure for 100% hydrogenData analytics for targeted rollout of building fabric measuresAimsWe aim to develop a novel technoeconomic approach to operating hybrid heat networks alongside other flexible assets. This facilitates use of existing gas infrastructure for the transition to hydrogen and, accelerates and reduces the overall cost of decarbonised heat rollout.There are various options for smart, flexible systems including li-ion batteries, demand side flexibility e.g. hydrogen electrolysers, and heat networks with storage. Whilst these options are important individually, it is critical they work together in a coordinated, sequenced and consumer focused manner to cost effectively achieve the decarbonisation targets set by the government.InnovationCo-location of hybrid heat networks with grid scale flexible assets can provide year-round, cross vector, energy flexibility. In this way the utilisation of the energy distribution infrastructure increases significantly compared to a standalone heat network. The innovation will also enable the conversion of whole sections of the existing gas infrastructure (including storage) to 100% hydrogen, facilitating the transition to hydrogen in a targeted phased manner.The system will include a metering and verification protocol providing data to support a targeted rollout of building fabric measures and verify the benefits once installed.UsersThe users of the innovation are heat network and/or flexible energy asset operators. Users want to increase the rollout of their systems with optimised commercial performance whilst decarbonising and increasing efficiency of their energy usage. The innovation will reduce upfront capital cost and increase the availability of network infrastructure to accelerate rollout.Project PartnersSGN are the lead partner, bringing expertise in gas and hydrogen as well as numerous sites in urban areas.Vital Energi are the heat network provider. They are UK market leader in district heating schemes with 83,000 homes connected.Imperial College London will be the academic partner, having developed an integrated whole energy systems (IWES) model.Glasgow City Council and West Dunbartonshire Council will be Local Government partners."
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	01/11/23