The first-of-its-kind Smart MicroGrid application, developed by Power Transition, will demonstrate how this solution can be utilised by commercial and industrial (C&I) sites, which account for 40% of the UK’s energy consumption, helping site owners and operators to reduce energy costs and meet their net zero ambitions. Currently, the cost of energy waste within C&I sites in the UK is estimated at £33.9 billion annually – according to Energy Live News and based on research carried out by eEnergy – totalling 30% of all UK energy lost.

Power Transition’s Smart MicroGrid solution for C&I sites combines software and hardware technologies with AI and machine learning to optimise generation, storage and energy usage. The solution unlocks the functionality of smart energy hardware and exploits new markets including demand side response (DSR), significantly reducing carbon and cutting energy costs to provide an intelligent and flexible system that integrates seamlessly with existing technology.

This exciting news comes as the flexible energy market is estimated to reach £40 billion in value by 2030, according to the trade association UK Energy.

BRE and Power Transition believe this project will provide a launchpad for this innovative smart MicroGrid technology. This includes intelligent devices and DSR services, to deliver the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS) objectives for a ‘smart and secure electricity system’.

Opportunities for improved cyber security, technology integration and remote load control will be developed and researched further, before being rolled out more widely to help other premises cut their energy use, costs, and their carbon footprint.

Gillian Charlesworth, CEO of BRE, said: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with Power Transition on the Smart Microgrid project at the BRE Science Park. Hosting Power Transition’s Digital Energy Platform at the BRE site will provide a world first commercial demonstrator and testbed to showcase how smart technology can deliver a wealth of benefits for businesses and wider society.

“By reducing demand and shifting loads, businesses can effectively respond to unprecedented costs for energy, whilst also cutting their carbon footprint. Two major priorities for all businesses right now.”

Karl Walker, Chief Operating Officer at Power Transition, added: “We are thrilled to be working in collaboration with the BRE, to develop a re-usable testbed for new and novel use-cases, which include site energy optimisation, flexibility and EV management.

“This project has the opportunity to be a game changer for energy-intensive businesses who are having to navigate rising costs, and we’re confident of the positive results, carbon impact and replicability that this project will produce