CurrentResearch:WholeSystemMissions

Delivering the transition to a net zero UK energy system that is secure, sustainable, affordable and inclusive to all UK consumers presents huge and multifaceted challenges. Tackling these challenges will require a whole systems approach and up-to-date evidence for decision-making at pace.

The Missions will support UKERC’s whole-system interdisciplinary research and keep it at the forefront of international developments in energy transformations across end-use, markets and policy. Cross-theme working is built into each of UKERC’s four core themes and is supported by a Research Integration Capacity. The Missions will further ensure that activities and outputs are joined up across the whole programme.

The Missions will provide capability, evidence and a convening role for exploration of three topics:

• Options for future energy market designs that could better support investment in low carbon technologies, flexibility and new fuels;
• ‘What works’ in low carbon heat and transport provision and policy; and
• Societal acceptance of infrastructure development (to be delivered by a new external partner).

Missions will be planned and taken forward in close collaboration with all UKERC themes and activities, stakeholders and external experts, and an Expert Group. Activities will include:

• Horizon scanning and gathering emerging international experience and research;
• Bringing together stakeholders and experts to stimulate discussion, generate new thinking and co-create solutions;
• Analysis and demonstration to generate impactful new evidence.

Findings and analysis from Missions-led work will be disseminated through a range of written outputs to make timely contributions to debate and decision-making.