EDF Energy Networks is bidding to create a smart electricity distribution network in London to help the UK capital cut its carbon emissions 60% by 2025.The bid to receive funding from energy regulator Ofgem’s £500 million Low Carbon Networks Fund is being backed by the Mayor of London and partner organisations Siemens, National Grid and Imperial College London.
If successful, the Low Carbon London – A Learning Journey project will look at using smart grid technologies to balance the demands placed on the city’s electricity network by new renewable energy installations, increased microgeneration and the rollout of electric vehicles.
EDF Energy Networks plans to work with the Greater London Authority, the London Development Agency, Transport for London and the Institute for Sustainability on many of the capital’s existing programmes, including the low carbon zones that have been awarded £3 million to cut emissions by 20.12% by 2012 and plans to install 25,000 electric vehicle recharging points by 2015.
Low Carbon London would also rollout smart meters to thousands of homes and explore ways of working with commercial customers to use electricity more flexibly and reduce demand on request for a financial incentive. “The low carbon economy is around the corner and electricity distribution network companies must radically change the way they run their networks to play their part in making it happen,” says Laurent Ferrari, managing director of EDF Energy Networks.
EDF Energy Networks says it hopes to identify the main challenges facing distribution network operators in future and help form a long-term low carbon strategy. “The key to becoming a cleaner, less polluted and more energy efficient city is to utilise clever new technologies. I want London to be a pioneer in the introduction of ingenious solutions to crack the environmental challenges we face,” says Mayor Boris Johnson. “EDF Energy Networks’ bid, if successful, will deliver significant funds to help us to accelerate the introduction of smart ways to improve Londoners’ quality of life.”
For further information : www.edfenergy.com/ www.london.gov.uk/
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