De-risking the energy transition

The UK faces an unprecedented need to implement new sources of energy to ensure we mitigate the effects of climate change. It involves addressing the multifaceted risks associated with transitioning from fossil fuels to decarbonised energy systems enabling industry and society to achieve global net-zero emissions targets. However, it presents significant obstacles that must be navigated to ensure a smooth and effective shift to sustainable energy sources.

We invite industry leaders, innovators, and infrastructure owners to collaborate with infrastructure owners to create robust data solutions that will guide decision-making and support our countries shift to producing, consuming and managing energy in a more innovative and sustainable way.

Working towards better outcomes for people and society

Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated and collaborative approach, leveraging the strengths of different stakeholders and initiatives to create a resilient and efficient energy system. This transition is not only necessary for combating climate change but also presents an opportunity to build a more sustainable and equitable future.

Solutions will align with key challenge areas:

1. Climate change and emissions reduction
   • Developing or deploying renewable energy solutions and encouraging the adoption of low-carbon technologies.
   • Informing new financial instruments, such as green bonds and climate funds, to support sustainable projects based on social and environmental value creation.
2. Energy management and storage
   • Emerging Technologies: Technologies like hydrogen fuel cells, carbon capture and storage, and advanced battery systems are still in early development stages and face issues related to scalability, efficiency, and cost.
3. Sustainable energy production
   • Resource extraction: Mining for critical minerals needed for renewable technologies can lead to environmental degradation if not managed sustainably.
   • Ecosystem impact: Renewable energy project design, such as wind farms, can disrupt local wildlife and ecosystems
   • Supply chain sustainability: Ensuring that the supply chains for renewable technologies are transparent, manageable and sustainable.  
4. Energy grid access and design
   • Upgrading aging energy infrastructure to handle real and increasing demands, by integrating or leveraging renewable energy sources.
   • Creating reliable and affordable access to energy supplies across the country to   underserved and remote areas.
5. Efficient and effective energy usage
   • Supporting end users with affordable energy offers, as fluctuations in energy prices and market conditions can create uncertainty for the consumer
   • Conducting energy audits to identify areas where energy is being wasted and implementing actions to reduce or eliminate waste.
6. Industry collaboration and data sharing
   • Knowledge sharing through interoperable systems: Sharing information, data and best practices across sectors and regions to accelerate innovation within energy, by understanding the gaps in data, resources and expertise.

Contact ryan.goodman@cp.catapult.org.uk to find out more.