Electricity in the UK is in the midst of an evolution as the transition to low carbon energy intensifies. In 2002, less than 1% of British electricity came from renewable sources; just 15 years that has grown to over 10%. I try to chart this change through my website, www.mygridgb.co.uk which uses real data from National Grid and academics to track where electricity comes from.

In this talk, we will look at the evolution of the British electricity system and see where our power
comes from. We will answer questions (using real data) about when solar and wind contribute, our reliance on gas and nuclear and the value of electricity imports. We will also gaze into the future and look at whether investment in low carbon generation and energy storage can ever meet our climate goals.

Dr Andrew Crossland received his PhD from Durham University in 2014 having researched the impact of distributed energy storage on the power system. His work showed multi-million pound savings for network operators if residential storage batteries (such as Tesla’s Powerwall) were widely adopted.

Andrew’s research interests also include socio-technical analysis of off-grid systems. He undertook research in Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda in 2012 and 2014 and continues to work in this area. 

After completing his PhD, Andrew worked for a year at Network Rail. He performed whole life cost analysis of upgrades to the electrification of the East Coast Mainline and is seeking to publish papers on novel ways of improving the performance and capacity of electrified railways.

Since 2015, Andrew has been employed by Solarcentury looking at hybrid energy systems in the UK, Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. His work ranges from the selection of residential energy storage products in the UK to the design of microgrids in remote areas of East Africa. He also sits on the IET committee for Codes of Practice on Energy Storage and one the STA’s committee on rooftop PV and storage.

Andrew also runs the grid charting and simulation website/Twitter feed ‘MyGridGB’ (www.mygridgb.co.uk) which aims to show the public about our changing electricity system and stimulate energy debate using verifiable numbers. His manifesto shows one way of meeting climate goals through investment in low carbon technology.

The lecture will be followed by a networking drinks reception. Free parking is available on campus after 5pm.