Innovative Approaches to Optimising Multi-vector and Multi-use in Energy SystemsCopy Link

Innovative Approaches to Optimising Multi-vector and Multi-use in Energy Systems 

Background

ENGIE UK is the custodian of the ENGIE UKRI Clean Growth Innovation Fund (CGIF), which seeks to accelerate low carbon innovation within the UK. The CGIF is a collaboration between ENGIE and Innovate UK, to invest £4 million in UK companies developing solutions across clean energy. Innovators developing integrated energy management systems are of particular interest to ENGIE. The transition to net zero will require the intelligent management of energy across all actors in the system and across all energy vectors. ENGIE is committed to using its global platform to propagate the solutions it finds to this challenge.

KTN’s Innovation Exchange programme is working alongside ENGIE to assist them in reaching out to companies that provide innovative solutions in this area. Applicants should have a specific project in mind that they wish to be supported by the CGIF. Successful applications will be given the opportunity to apply for the CGIF, which is in the form of 50% grant funding from Innovate UK and 50% equity investment into the business from ENGIE. Successful applicants for funding will need to have a project approved by an Innovate UK assessor panel and agree equity investment terms with ENGIE. 

Rationale

The transition to a net zero energy system requires the complete transformation of our energy systems and actors across our energy systems. Traditional energy systems where energy is produced or generated and transported to end users will be replaced by a system where all actors can play multiple roles across production, storage and use of energy. An optimised net zero energy system will require multiple fuels and energy sources to be interdependent and managed simultaneously across all level of actors in the energy system from large generators to cities, industry, businesses, vehicles and homes, and across energy sources and technologies such as renewable electricity, hydrogen, biogas, storage and CCUS.

Intelligent integrated energy management systems will be required to optimise energy for a range of actors, across a range of vectors and value pools. ENGIE is interested in integrated energy management solutions for energy system actors such as:

• Cities & Local Authorities
• Industry
• Businesses & Buildings
• Energy Communities
• Transport 

The Challenge

The interaction between different energy sources could be optimised to achieve a more efficient use of resources, greater reliability of electrical systems, better utilisation of asset flexibility, optimised integration of renewable generation and improved demand management. ENGIE are seeking innovative approaches to the optimisation of energy systems which integrate multi vector energy sources (hydrogen, natural gas, biomethane, grid power, decentralised generation, DSR) with energy demand for heat, electricity and mobility across a variety of consumers (communities, commercial and industrial sites). ENGIE would be keen to work with innovators developing solutions which manage and optimise the flow of energy across energy systems i.e. a whole system approach. Solutions should be able to demonstrate their application in a real system and specific location rather than a theoretical model.

Solutions should provide:

• an understanding of energy consumption at building level and system level - collection and management of data
• automated decision making based on the consumption data
• overall improved performance of the whole energy system

ENGIE currently provide energy & services such as embedded generation, energy efficiency, energy management, district heating and demand side response to clients such as Yorkshire Water, Carlsberg, Cemex, Suffolk County Council, Ford and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Successful applicants may have the opportunity to develop solutions for clients such as these, with ENGIE. 

ENGIE is actively looking for solutions across all of these various value streams and energy system actors. ENGIE would be willing explore solutions that fit on one site or multiple sites.

ENGIE will not consider the following solutions: 

• Consultancy or co-creation proposals

Rewards and benefits

Successful applicants will be encouraged to apply for funding through the ENGIE UKRI Clean Growth Innovation Fund. Other Benefits may also include:

• Support from the Catapult networks and the KTN
• Support in the development of a prototype or pilot
• Technical support
• Invitation to attend or present at KTN or Catapult events
• A potential business collaboration

Solution Requirements

Functional requirements will depend on the solution offered. 

Project Requirements 

Applicants must propose a specific project that builds on or leads to, the development of a solution to the challenge stated:

o   The project should be differentiated from business as usual and be considered Innovative

o   The project cost should fall between £200,000 and £500,000

There should be a clear roadmap to commercialisation. This should include a business model, which incorporates factors such as but not limited to:

o   Minimum viable product

o   Unique selling point

o   Value proposition

o   Pricing structure

o   Cost structure

o   Partner requirements. 

The project should ideally be currently at TRL 3-5 and meet the UK Government definition of Industrial Research or Feasibility Study as defined in General Guidance.

There should be a quantitative measure of success.

The project should lead to a commercially protectable solution, either through the tacit knowledge within the organisation or through codified Intellectual Property (IP), like a patent or design right.

Deployment Timescale

• Launch of the Competition: 14/08
• Deadline for applications: 11/09
• Selection and notification of finalists: 23/09 
• F2F meeting/pitch opportunity for finalists: week commencing 5th October
• Notification of outcome: 16/10
• Applicants should be ready to start projects in 2021. 
• Solutions should be fully deployable within 18 months.

Eligibility and assessment criteria

Entrants to this competition must be: 

• UK based micro, small or medium-sized business (SME)
• Able to carry out your project work in the UK 
• Intending to exploit the results through a UK-based company
• Applications will be assessed on: 
• Relevance to the topic
• Innovative nature of the subject
• Coherence of the proposed business model
• Feasibility/ economic viability
• Development potential
• Maturity of project/solution
• Ability to launch project quickly/Ease of implementation
• Price/quality ratio
• Suitability for the UK and European Market

IP and Potential Commercial Route

Where necessary, a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) may be signed to uphold confidentiality in the engagement between the Solution Provider(s) and Innovation Challenger.

Innovate UK and KTN do not take any share of IP ownership or enter into commercial venture through the iX programme.