The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) is seeking partners to deliver a project in its transport technology programme to determine the market frameworks and integrated system that could best deliver a cost-effective UK energy system for low carbon vehicles.
The Consumers, Vehicles and Energy Integration (CVEI) project will be delivered in two stages with the ETI investing up to £5 million.
The first stage will comprise detailed analysis, design and insights to identify and prioritise vehicle and infrastructure systems and associated technology options; appropriate market and policy frameworks; and business propositions.
Stage two of the project will then deliver a mass market trial to validate the impacts of the solutions identified in stage 1, including the acceptance of vehicles and demand management measures for electric and liquid fuels, along with the market structures and systems required to implement successful demand management, and the effects on emissions and costs.
ETI Project Manager Nick Eraut said:
“Cars and vans currently account for around 15-20% of CO2 emissions in the UK and they are expected to remain a significant part of meeting future travel needs.
"At the ETI we have carried out substantial work to define a clear strategy for supporting a transition to accommodate an increased volume of low carbon vehicles. This work has shown that integrating those vehicles within the energy system and understanding consumer behaviour is crucial.”
The project, which is expected to last two years, will examine the technologies and systems needed to manage the energy supply for vehicles and the energy supply infrastructure required, for both electric and liquid fuels.
It will also consider how consumers use their vehicles and how they would respond to different ways of charging or fuelling their vehicles in the future.
The project is expected to deliver the following outcomes:
Relevant technology developments for both vehicles and energy infrastructure
Identification of the market structures and business propositions needed to support a transition to and operation of a cost-effective UK energy system for low carbon vehicles
Understanding of how the selected technology and market structures should be integrated
Understanding of how consumers might respond to different offerings in relation to vehicles, their fuelling/charging and demand management mechanisms
Validation of the systems and their impacts through a mass-market trial
The request for proposals will close on 20th April 2015 and the deadline for notification of intention to submit a proposal is 31st March 2015.
An introductory workshop for prospective bidders will be held at The Studio, Birmingham on Wednesday 11th March 2015. Please register here to attend the workshop.
More information regarding the project, along with the request for proposals, can be found on the ETI’s website at http://www.eti.co.uk/partners-sought-for-eti-project-to-determine-the-market-frameworks-and-integrated-system-to-deliver-a-cost-effective-uk-energy-system-for-low-carbon-vehicles/