New International Community for Local Smart Grids (ICLSG) initiative – launched at COP26

Thursday 11 Nov 2021

Alt text coming shortly — SSEN has joined with Ausgrid, the Enel Group and the University of Oxford for the initiative. Image: SSEN.

A new International Community for Local Smart Grids (ICLSG) initiative has been launched by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), Ausgrid, the Enel Group and the University of Oxford. The ICLSG initiative was officially launched by SSEN Distribution, Ausgrid, Enel, LCH and the University of Oxford to a global audience at the UK Presidency Pavilion at COP26 on 2 November.

Electricity distribution companies from the UK, Australia, Italy, and Japan have joined forces to revolutionise and support communities to engage with electricity grids of the future. Launching at COP26, the University of Oxford-led initiative will bring together electricity networks and community energy groups from across the world to remove barriers to delivering net zero at a local level.

The ICLSG partnership will run over five years, and look to engage with smart grids around the world. Japan’s TEPCO Power Grid is the first Network Partner to job the initiative, highlighting the breadth of the partnership according to SSE.

Based in Oxford, the Low Carbon Hub (LCH) will be used throughout the initiative to explore how households and businesses can participate in the wider network transition. Community energy participants will be announced in 2022.

Barbara Hammond MBE, CEO, Low Carbon Hub said: “As we transition to a zero-carbon energy system, the changes required will be as much about people and the way they interact with it as it is about technology. That’s why we need zero carbon energy systems that are not just digitally smart, but people smart too. Throughout the project, the University of Oxford will undertake original research into the shared challenges and opportunities in delivering net zero at a local level.”

Professor Malcolm McCulloch, University of Oxford, said: “Communities and distribution networks are the unsung heroes of the decarbonization challenge. Most of the difficult challenges in decarbonising mobility, heating and increase cooling requirements are addressed by these groups. Oxford University is excited to be able to bring together a global partnership focused on sharing the learnings and best practices in providing a smart, resilient and just transition.”

Read the full articles here:

New global smart grid partnership launched to unlock local solutions to climate change

International smart grid initiative announced ahead of COP26

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