Research scope

CESI work packages focus on an aspect of energy systems and link with each other in many ways.

CESI’s research is arranged in seven work packages. Although each work package focuses on one aspect of integrated energy systems, they link with each other in many ways.

The topics of the Work Packages investigate the many aspects of the energy system from policy through to demand.

1. Commercial, Regulatory and Policy Aspects

Lead: Professor Gordon MacKerron, University of Sussex

We are looking at issues affecting energy supply and demand, including:

regulation
policy
commercial
social

This work will inform all CESI’s energy system models.

2. Energy Supply

Lead : Professor Simon Hogg, Durham University

Through this research, we aim to learn more about current and future UK sources of energy supply including

wind
geothermal
solar
tidal
traditional technologies

Research Method

We are investigating how energy supply technologies may change over time. Factors such as reliability, cost and user-friendliness all have a part to play. We investigate these interactions.

Windturbines with a sunset in the distance

3. Infrastructure and Storage

Lead: Professor Tony Roskilly, Durham University

In this work we are developing models of a variety of energy infrastructures. Systems evaluated include:

ammonia
biofuel
compressed air
electricity
hydrogen
natural gas
petroleum
thermal

4. Energy Demand

Lead: Professor David Flynn, University of Glasgow

In this research, we are looking at how moving to low carbon forms of energy will affect the demand for energy in:

Buildings
Industry
Services
Transport

When looking at low carbon energy technologies, we take into account factors such as:

Consumer preferences and choices
Consumer habits
Cost

5. Validation and Demonstration

Lead: Dr Haris Patsios, Newcastle University

Our full-scale Demonstrators make an important contribution to our research. They help us to understand the whole energy system in real world situations. CESI Demonstrators include:

Newcastle Helix
ETI / ESCat Smart Systems and Heat
Findhorn
Haringey
Thames Valley Vision
Cockle Park Farm
Customer Led Network Revolution (CNLR)
Integrated Transport Electricity Gas Research Laboratory (InTEGReL)

These sites cover different aspects of the whole energy system:

Rural
Urban
Domestic
Industrial and commercial use
Community
New build
Retrofit aspects

6. Multiscale Architectures, Planning and Operation

Lead: Professor Phil Taylor, University of Bristol

We are developing whole energy system models to examine future energy system scenarios in the areas of:

demand
supply
storage
consumer behaviour

These models will interconnect all CESI’s research incorporating the many energy vectors and disciplines. We will utilise a co-evolutionary process to develop these scenarios.

7. Impact, Engagement and Management

Leads: Prof. Sara Walker, Newcastle University and Professor Phil Taylor, University of Bristol

To maximise the impact of our research, we will engage with the energy research and industrial sectors. We coordinate a wide range of events and workshops to facilitate this.

Workshops for energy experts
CESI Demonstrator open days
Policy briefings

Where new opportunities emerge for collaboration we can utilise the Centre’s £1M Flexible Fund which is administered by our Executive Operational Committee.