The pioneering programme will include a virtual marketplace and the installation of new technology into over 150 homes and businesses.
Over the next three years, Centrica will give renewable generators, local businesses and other large energy users free smart technology upgrades and install new energy storage units. Participants will be able to sell their flexible energy capacity to the grid and the wholesale energy market through a virtual marketplace. The firm will also install battery units, micro-combined heat and power or a combination of the two, in up to 100 homes.
Centrica Distributed Energy and Power managing director Jorge Pikunic said: “Cornwall has been at the forefront of harnessing renewable generation, but that has brought challenges to the local grid. Our ambition is to explore how battery storage, flexible demand and generation can do to reduce pressure on the UK’s electricity grid, avoid expensive network upgrades and support future decarbonisation.
“This is a unique opportunity for us to work together with local businesses and homes to unlock new approaches that can give consumers more control of their energy, both here in the UK and potentially around the world. I believe this is a clear example of how the energy landscape could look in future – a truly decentralised market where energy is smarter, greener and cheaper.”
The trial received a £13 million grant from the European Regional Development Fund and the remainder if funded by Centrica and the British Gas Energy for Tomorrow fund. The Distributed Energy and Power team will also be opening a new office and team of 23 employees in Truro to deliver the trial alongside partners at Western Power Distribution, National Grid and Exeter University.