School of Social and Political Science (SPS) academic Dr Jess Britton will lead The University of Edinburgh’s input into the new Electric Power Innovation for a Carbon-free Society (EPICS) centre, which brings together international partners to decarbonise the global energy sector.
SPS academic involved in global electricity decarbonisation effort, which aims to create 100% renewable energy power grids worldwide
Based at John Hopkins University in the US, the new centre has been funded for five years and enables academics in the UK, US and Australia to collaborate on research with electricity system operators around the world including National Grid ESO in the UK, Eirgrid in Ireland, AEMO in Australia and CAISO in California.
The centre will develop computing, economic, engineering and policy methods and tools to enable a 100% emissions-free power grid. To do this, the researchers will establish a global innovation ecosystem, engaging US, UK and Australian academics and global industry and policy stakeholders.
Imperial College London is leading the UK’s involvement in the centre, which is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and will be working alongside academics at the University of Edinburgh, Newcastle University and University of Strathclyde.
The £6.67 million project will provide answers about the innovations and changes needed in today’s power grid management and institutions to meet the demand of a grid with 100% renewable energy that is sustainable, affordable, reliable and resilient.
EPICS, which officially launches on November 1, aims to become a global scientific leader in renewable energy integration.
Dr Britton, who works within the Sociology subject area at SPS, said: “Transforming energy grids to support 100 per cent renewable energy is a global challenge that will require technical, policy and governance innovations. Demand-side flexibility can play an important role in enabling a decarbonised and resilient energy system and this international collaboration will support acceleration of customer flexibility in an equitable and fair way.”
Further Information
