Institution responds to UK Government & Ofgem smart energy report

Dr Jenifer Baxter, Head of Energy and Environment at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said in response to the UK Government/Ofgem report on smart power:

“These changes for consumers in generation and demand management are a positive next step for the electricity sector. It makes sense to encourage behavioural changes in this way.  Apart from potentially saving consumers money, it also allows us to make better use of our resources. The role of batteries in electricity storage is still emerging and it is important that research and development explore whether the materials used in batteries, from extraction to disposal, are sustainable and therefore the best solution for electricity storage.  It may be that other storage mediums such as gas, compressed air energy storage and water provide a more suitable and sustainable long term solution.

“This announcement addresses a very small part of the whole energy system, areas where we are currently seeing increases in oil use, such as freight and shipping require significant investment to explore alternative fuels, such as bio-methane and hydrogen. Continued development across the energy system from multiple renewable and low emissions technologies remains vital to making the best use of our limited resources and meeting our long-term emissions targets.”