Flexitricity has revealed its partners for a trial examining how smaller commercial energy users can provide demand side response services.
The Quickturn project looks to provide an opportunity for smaller commercial energy users to access the DSR market, with participation previously not economically viable due to costs of hardware, communications and implementation, Flexitricity said.
The project is being funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and was first announced at the start of the month. Findings are expected to be shared in 2020.
Partners include Scottish Water Horizon, Veolia, Norish, Glasgow City Council and Northumberland City Council. Flexitricity is also working with Jones Food Company at its vertical farm production plant in Scunthorpe. The partnership will see Flexitricity support Jones Food Company to provide balancing services and improve its energy efficiency.
Alastair Martin, founder and CSO at Flexitricity, said the drive towards a low carbon economy and the 2050 net zero target means small businesses will have “an important role” to play in shaping energy infrastructure.
“The era of the passive energy user is over. Not only is a smarter energy system essential for tackling climate change, it is also fairer and will allow everyone to benefit – from businesses of all size to domestic energy users.”
The Jones Food Company site in Scunthorpe grows herbs and plants for use in salads in warehouse-type buildings on vertical racks, using artificial light and growth techniques such as hydroponics.
James Lloyd Jones, MD at Jones Food Company, said the partnership gives the company an opportunity to demonstrate how small commercial users can come together to support the National Grid in meeting UK energy needs.
“The sky is the limit and we are very much looking forward demonstrating the potential for smaller commercial users throughout the country to earn revenue and help the UK achieve net zero,” he added.