Energy industry unites to simplify low carbon home tech

Working under the Electricity Networks Innovation Taskforce's (ENIT) programme, the project forms part of Ofgem's new strategic vision for innovation, which challenges the energy industry to tackle some of the biggest barriers to delivering a Net Zero energy system.

The government initiative is being supported by UK Power Networks and delivered in partnership with Energy Systems Catapult, Ideaonomy and SP Energy Networks (SPEN). It brings together organisations from across the sector such as Octopus Energy, E.ON and Renbee to simplify the process of installing electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps, solar panels and home storage batteries.

At the heart of the project is the development of an Innovation Charter that will create a shared roadmap for overcoming the technical, commercial, regulatory and operational barriers that currently make installing low-carbon technologies more complex for customers. The aim is to identify practical solutions that make it quicker and easier for households to adopt these technologies while maintaining network safety, resilience and reliability.

The first stage of the project has partners engaging with stakeholders and industry experts to identify the main barriers to connecting low-carbon technologies such as EV chargers, heat pumps and solar panels without prior approval. They are also reviewing existing projects, policies and emerging trends in the UK and overseas to understand what is working, where gaps remain and what factors could influence future progress.

The findings will be collated to develop practical pathways before a series of workshops are held with the same stakeholders to help identify the most promising approaches, agree priorities and shape a clear plan for delivering the challenge. A presentation for the challenge is also being held on day two of the Energy Innovation Summit in Glasgow.

The final phases which focus on turning the project's findings into a clear action plan will take place between October and November before the final Innovation Charter is published in December.

Sotiris Georgiopoulos, chair of the innovation delivery group for challenge three, said: “The Innovation Delivery Group was established to tackle strategic challenges that no single organisation can solve alone. Challenge three is a great example of the value of that approach, bringing together partners from across the energy sector to explore how we can accelerate the adoption of low-carbon technologies and create a simpler experience for customers.”

Jodie Giles, deputy director of the strategic innovation fund at Ofgem, said: “Challenge three has set the ambitious goal of enabling instant, plug-and-play connections for household energy devices and appliances by 2032.

“This matters because life is busy and we all need easier ways to engage in the energy transition, to create a better future. How we travel, heat and power our homes, and benefit from cleaner, cheaper technology should be seamless and simple. This challenge will reduce friction for everyone who wants to connect low carbon technologies, such as solar PV, batteries, heat pumps and electric vehicle chargers.

“I look forward to seeing the Innovation Charter take shape and how it will help consumers choose and manage energy use.”