Dynamic Demand controlled appliances such as fridges and freezers could be able to reduce the amount of electricity they use during peak periods and eventually save an estimated two million tonnes of CO2 emissions a year when fully integrated across the network - the equivalent of taking over 665,000 cars off the road.
London -- Dynamic Demand controlled appliances such as fridges and freezers could be able to reduce the amount of electricity they use during peak periods and eventually save an estimated two million tonnes of CO2 emissions a year when fully integrated across the network - the equivalent of taking over 665,000 cars off the road.
A new report published today from the UK government office of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform department showed high regard for this developing technology's potential.
The 'super green' kitchen goods would have small electronic controllers installed to track peak times on the electricity grid, helping to reduce demand. This could provide a more stable and efficient grid, removing some of the barriers
to more renewable electricity generation in the UK which is variable in nature.
Energy minister Malcolm Wicks said, "It is very early days and we don't want to overstate it but dynamic demand does merit further research. As well as increasing the efficiency of our grid network it could ultimately prove to be an innovative tool in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change."
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National Grid Chief Executive Steve Holliday said, "National Grid is constantly looking for innovative ways to use our energy networks to tackle climate change and ensure security of energy supply. Dynamic demand is an exciting possibility for the future which we are already looking at, which could help us manage peaks in energy consumption, reduce emissions and support the use of variable renewable energy sources such as wind power. We are looking forward to working with BERR on this important project."
The commitment to look further into dynamic demand was enshrined in Clause 18 of the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act (June 2006). The Government agreed to report on:
* the contribution that is capable of being made by dynamic demand technologies
to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases in Great Britain.
* whether it is appropriate to take any steps to promote the use of such
technologies, and, if it is, what those steps are.
* any matters which would prohibit or inhibit the use of any dynamic demand
technology.
The report states that minister's recognise the possibilities of dynamic demand, particularly the emission reduction benefits, and have asked for further research to be undertaken. The work will also focus on any potential barriers to its deployment. A further report will then be issued in the summer of 2008.
