Resilienceofthefutureenergysystem

The future energy system is likely to be characterised by more variable renewable resources which will be less controllable than current fossil electricity generation. Currently, a certain amount of resilience is afforded by the independence of different subsystems, but as heat and transport increasingly depend on electricity, and the electricity system in turn dependent on the gas system for secure operation, there will be new causes and impacts of system disturbances that we have not yet experienced.

Recent events have highlighted the potential impact of long, widespread energy supply interruptions, and the need for resilience is likely to create a requirement for greater flexibility from both the electricity and gas systems. The growth in use of distributed energy resources, including those within local energy systems, further complicates the maintenance of energy security that supports our economy.

Using a combination of sectoral modelling and case studies, this project will:

• examine the engineering risks, and assess the need for new industry standards to drive appropriate action;
• conduct a systematic assessment of impacts on consumers and critical services, such as heating, water, communications, health and transport.