The UK energy market could save £400m and reduce emissions by 800,000 tonnes over the next decade by using open and transparent data to reveal energy generation, consumption and distribution inefficiencies, new analysis has revealed. London-based clean technology firm Guru Systems has analysed consumption data across a number of UK heat networks, concluding that many heat systems are oversized or use “outdated” models to estimate how much heat will be needed – leading to an excess in demand. But with the help of the Open Data Institute (ODI) and with backing from the now-defunct Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), Guru Systems has been working on a new online portal that allows SMEs, researchers and private organisations to work collaboratively to create optimal heat systems that iron-out any energy inefficiencies. The company’s new Pinpoint system tested the potential of open data on four projects, including a 155-unit housing association. The Pinpoint system was able to identify significant amounts of heat loss between corridors and flats, before communing with the housing association to rectify the inefficiencies by improving insulation. As well as recovering 68% of the heat used in the system, the trial also reduced tariff payments for residents by almost 50% from 7.7p to 3.8 per kWh. Based on the evidence, Guru Systems believes that more than £200m can be saved across the system – which could increase to £400m if engineers use the open data platform to improve the efficiency of new and under construction heat networks.
Edie 16th Aug 2016 read more »