The European Marine Energy Centre announced on 4 February that the ReFLEX Orkney project has moved from the feasibility to demonstration stage.
Funded by UKRI through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, the project is aiming to integrate electricity, transport and heat networks in Orkney using advanced software to balance demand and supply.
In this next stage in 2020, a local electricity tariff tailored to the needs of ReFLEX’s integrated energy system will be launched. Work to establish a new local energy company will also begin. This will offer advice to local consumers and businesses on their energy needs, as well as provide affordable leasing options for new domestic and commercial batteries, electric vehicles and charge points.
Rob Saunders, Challenge Director, Prospering from the Energy Revolution, UK Research and Innovation said: “ReFLEX Orkney is a key component of the PFER Challenge and is showcasing how intelligent local energy systems of the future can bring about real benefits for users. It is therefore testament to the hard work and innovation amongst the ReFLEX team that they have successfully passed this first stage review. Clean energy, delivered across smart and efficient local networks will play a major role in achieving the net zero goals of 2050. The successful progress of demonstration projects like ReFLEX highlight the opportunities that are available to the UK through this kind of innovation. We look forward to working with ReFLEX on the next stage of their project.”
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