Future energy supplies and how we can protect the planet by using resources more efficiently has been highlighted in a major new report and conference by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
The report, 'Distributed Energy Systems: Global Energy Crisis to Local Communities', offers three key recommendations to encourage the use of Distributed Energy Systems (DES). Its findings are in line with the Government’s ‘ambitious’ national targets to reduce UK greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent — relative to 1990 levels — by 2050.
IMechE proposes that the UK primary energy supply is reduced by 48 per cent by 2050 (compared to 2006) with the remainder moving to zero or low carbon sources. Adopting a DES approach could support this strategy.
In addition IMechE is hosting a conference (Distributed Energy Systems 2009) in Woking, Surrey, on November 17th, which will highlight the increasing pressure for clean energy generation, and how development of DES can give the UK a unique opportunity to switch to alternative sources of power.
Energy linked to local demand
DES is a collection of energy sources, energy storage and distribution networks linked to local demand. They may contain a fossil fuel element such as a gas-fired combined heat and power plant but should primarily be based on local sustainable sources such as waste, geo-thermal, wind, biomass — or for those by the coast, wave and tidal power.
Key recommendations in the DES report call for the Government to promote the uptake of DES as part of its future plans for refreshing the UK energy generating capacity; development of financial tools to counteract the novelty and uncertainties around this technology while experience is gained; and an increase in funding into energy storage research to enable greater fluctuations in supply and demand to be accommodated.
IMechE President, Keith Millard, said the report should adopted and implemented by Government, with his home town of Woking as a key example of how successful DES can be. He said: “Energy and climate change is an issue that affects us all. We must do all we can to keep the planet’s temperature from rising and that means a major overhaul of how we use our energy, ensuring we are efficient and putting practical measures into place that will benefit the public.
Rolling out DES
“Distributed energy systems are already in place in my home town of Woking and the local council there have really taken the initiative in implementing this in the area. I would like to see this rolled out across the UK.
“We are just days away from one of the most important events in history with Copenhagen and I believe the UK should lead this campaign to protect our climate and work alongside engineers to produce practical solutions such as zero carbon homes DES. By generating energy locally we can use diverse and renewable sources to best effect and greatly increase our energy efficiency.”
Millard will also chair a debate to include representatives from energy giant EON, the Energy Savings Trust and the Green Economics Institute. This will start at 6.45pm and take place following the conference at the H.G.Wells Conference and Events Centre in Woking.
For more information about the debate or the conference, contact Amy Fitzgerald at IMechE on 020 7973 1291 or email a_fitzerald@imeche.org
