What is the Grid edge?
And why is it important?
The ‘grid edge’ is, simply, where we all live, work and play – where the physical infrastructure of our energy system reaches us in our day-to-day lives. We often talk about the grid edge at Low Carbon Hub, but why is it so important? And why is the grid edge changing?
Life at the edge
With increasing numbers of people taking action on climate change, the grid edge and its purpose are going to need to adapt. Homes and businesses are now generating, using and storing energy in very different ways, through solar panel and battery storage installations, plus electric vehicle chargers and heat pumps. This is all part of a clean energy transition that could see our demand for electricity double by 2050. Without more commitment towards energy demand reduction, the electricity system may need to be four times the size than it is today to deal with usage peaks.
Making the grid edge work
This increase in demand for electricity can be partly managed by individual changes – and so many of us are going to need to understand energy better. Some people will be able to save money on bills by using energy at cheaper times (for example, charging an electric car at night) and generating their own power, whilst others will rely on the price of energy remaining fair for all.
Reducing our demand for energy will also be crucial in ensuring our energy systems can cope. Homes and businesses alike will need to understand where actions can be taken to make buildings more efficient, something we’re aiming to promote here in Oxfordshire through our Energy Solutions Oxfordshire and Cosy Homes Oxfordshire programmes.
The changing face of the grid means that everyone’s relationship with energy will change, as we become more and more connected with the system. Ensuring that the grid edge can benefit everyone, not just a few, means that an ethical framework for local energy is needed.
So, what’s next?
It’s widely agreed that in order for countries to reach net-zero targets, communities need to be involved in ensuring local action takes place. The adaptation of the grid edge will play a significant part on the road towards a cleaner energy future, so research into how best to make these changes is crucial.
We developed Project LEO to provide a better understanding of how a smart, locally balanced energy system could bring social, economic, and environmental benefits for all.
What can I do to support a more sustainable grid edge?
There’s a number of ways you can support a fair and clean energy transition – the first – and most effective – being engaging with groups and organisations who support community energy. Our community group members across Oxfordshire (for example) do fantastic work supporting local projects and campaigns happening at the grid edge. Our Community Energy Fund, open to anyone, gives you the opportunity to invest in our renewable energy projects, where 100% of our project surplus supports further action on climate change in the Oxfordshire community.
If you work for a business with premises, you can talk to your employer about their energy plans and see if they might be suitable to host a solar PV array.
ProjectDeddington and Duns Tew Smart and Fair Neighbourhood
The Deddington and Duns Tew trial formed part of Project LEO’s Smart Fair Neighbourhood (SFN) projects. These were six sets of local trials that explored how Smart Community Energy Scheme (SCES) business models can sit at the heart of a smart, low-carbon, locally balanced energy system, creating opportunities and benefits in an equitable and fair…