Horizon Scanning of Energy Systems Innovation (TRL4-7)

Abstract

SSE spent 6 months talking to a number of consultants trying to determine how to undertake a project scanning the horizon for innovation that would impact the various business streams before discussing and agreeing an approach and project with UoE.

The main aim of this horizon scanning project was to identify the most promising innovation technologies on the horizon between the technology readiness levels (TRL) 4 and 7. The methodology included the review of academic and non-academic literature review (including technology radars and business strategies). We validated our findings through a co-creation session with a panel of experts from various organisations including National Grid, ARUP, SGN. DNV, Cultivate Innovation, SSE and representation from national and international academic institutions (e.g. TU Delft).

The outcomes including key innovations and suggestions were presented to the SSE Innovation Board including the Chief Commercial Officer, helping SSE develop their future business strategy.

In this talk, we will share the details of our methodology and present an overview of our findings which we think will be interesting and beneficial for future research prospects of Energy@Ed.

Dr Desen Kirli

Desen holds the Elizabeth Georgeson research fellowship in “Data and Digitalisation for Net Zero”. She has award-winning Master of Engineering and PhD degrees from the School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh.

As a sustainable energy engineer and researcher, her ambition is to bridge the gap between academic research and implementation in the industry to accelerate the decarbonisation of energy systems. Her research involves the use of data-driven and digital smart grid solutions and state-of-the-art technologies such as digital twin modelling, smart contracting, and AI as well as niche market mechanisms including smart local energy markets and flexibility trading.

Prior to this fellowship, she worked on the DISPATCH Project towards multi-vector net zero heating and cooling solutions. Currently, she is the principal investigator on the D-RES Project, co-investigator on the VPP-WARD, DISPATCH and T-ENDURE projects, improving the climate resilience and carbon footprint of energy communities and systems. Last year, she won the Scottish Renewables Young Professionals Green Energy Award and the Top 50 Women in Engineering Award for her work on data-driven decarbonisation of local energy systems.

• Dr Desen Kirli, School of Engineering profile

Andrew Aveyard

Andrew is the Sector Lead for Energy related research and commercial engagement at The University of Edinburgh. His primary aim is to facilitate relationships between the University and Industry to enable the successful delivery of innovative energy projects and skills training, which are needed to support the Just Transition.

He has over 15 years' experience in the Energy Sector including the roles of Engineering Project Manager for a 400MW wind farm at EDF Renewables, Business Development Manager for a Tidal Energy company, Technical Director for a Renewable Developer, and Head of Department for Renewable Engineering Consultant. Through these roles he was responsible for the project management and delivery of more than two hundred wind, solar and tidal projects with a value of +£300million and an installed capacity of +250MW.

Skilled in facilitating relationships between people and companies, enabling successful delivery of innovative strategies and projects. With his industry experience and he is ideally placed to facilitate co-creation between academics and industry partners developing ideas into funded projects across the range of specialisms at the University including; Offshore Wind, Hydrogen, Wave and Tidal Energy, Energy Network System Integration, CCUS, electrical transmission, Decarbonisation, Net Zero Buildings, Sustainability, and Circular Economy.

• Andrew Aveyard, LinkedIn

This is an open meeting, registration is not required.