Challenge
Domestic energy use accounted for 21% of UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, and around three-quarters of this came from heating our homes. The UK has set aside ambitious targets to ban gas heating from new homes by 2025 and achieve Net Zero by 2050. However, research has consistently pointed to challenges in the implementation of green energy systems by local authorities in new builds, as well as hesitation by social housing landlords and residents to switch over in existing properties.
Project Remedy is an Innovate UK project led by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council which is exploring the technical and commercial feasibility of smart local energy systems (SLES), with a consortium of public and private partners. Leading on user research, we explored the barriers and opportunities for residents and landlords designing, managing and using new ways of providing and consuming energy.
Smart Local Energy Systems combine different renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels, EV charging stations and ground source heat pumps as part of a ‘private wire’ (the local element of SLES). Battery storage and smart technology allow energy to be stored and sold back to the grid at an appropriate time.
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