Whole Energy Systems - An Energy Data Centre Introductory Guide
In this topic the guide covers Government Direction, Key Context and Research and Innovation. Below the document there is a selection of dynamically generated content from the EDC and other sources showing current and recently finished research activities.
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Abstract
This guide provides an overview of whole energy systems thinking in a UK context, focusing on the integration of technologies, infrastructure, policies, and societal dimensions needed to deliver a sustainable energy system. It explores the current transition away from traditional siloed energy systems toward a holistic framework that supports cross-sector collaboration and interdisciplinary problem-solving. By exploring key national and devolved government policies, the guide highlights highlight the widespread adoption of whole systems approaches, including efforts at a local level through initiatives like Local Area Energy Planning. The document explores transformative trends reshaping the energy landscape, including the rise of renewables, electrification of heat and transport, decentralised networks, and adoption of low-carbon fuels. It also identifies emerging interdependencies across digital infrastructure, environmental stewardship, geopolitical dynamics, and public engagement. The research and innovation section maps ongoing work in areas like energy data, heat networks, mobility solutions, infrastructure resilience, and equity-focused planning. Ultimately, the guide underscores the complexity of achieving net zero and positions whole systems thinking as essential to a fair, adaptable, and resilient energy future.At a glance
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nuclear and plasma physicsenvironmental sciencesclimate change impacts and adaptationdata storagedata utilizationbattery technologypower consumptioncarbon neutralcarbon efficiencysustainabilitymobilityautonomous systemsenvironmental awarenessnet zero commitmentsclimate changeenvironmental engineeringenvironmental managementresources engineering and extractive metallurgyecologypollution and contaminationatmospheric sciencesphysical geography and environmental geosciencehydrologygeochemistryenvironmental biotechnologysoil sciencesforestry sciencesinorganic chemistrymacromolecular and materials chemistry
References
- Department for the Economy, Energy Strategy - Path to Net Zero Energy, DftE, 2021.
- Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Energy white paper: Powering our net zero future, DESNZ, 2020.
- Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener, DESNZ, 2021.
- Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, UK hydrogen strategy, DESNZ, 2021.
- Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, 2023 UK greenhouse gas emissions, provisional figures, DESNZ, 2024.
- Energy Systems Catapult, Energy Data Taskforce: A Strategy for a Modern Digitalised Energy System, ESC, 2023.
- Energy Systems Catapult, Systems thinking in the energy system, ESC, 2024.
- National Grid Electricity System Operator, Clean Power 2030 | National Energy System Operator, NESO, 2024.
- National Grid Electricity System Operator, Future Energy Scenarios (FES) | National Energy System Operator, NESO, 2024.
- Ofgem, Regional Energy Strategic Plan policy framework consultation, Ofgem, 2024.
- Scottish Government, The future of energy in Scotland: Scottish energy strategy, Scottish Government, 2017.
- Scottish Government, Scotland's Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan: Ministerial statement, Scottish Government, 2023.
- Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, Forecasting future needs of the network, SSEN, 2024.
- UK Energy Research Centre, Building a Resilient UK Energy System: Working Paper, UKERC, 2009.
- UK Research and Innovation, Prospering from the energy revolution, UKRI, 2018.
- UK Research and Innovation, Whole energy systems, UKRI, 2024.
- Welsh Government, Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, Welsh Government, 2015.
- Welsh Government, Net Zero Wales Carbon Budget 2 (2021 to 2025), Welsh Government, 2021.
- Welsh Government, Heat strategy for Wales, Welsh Government, 2024.
