Emobility and the Smart Home of the Future | Drive to Net Zero Podcast 03

In this episode we explore decarbonising the home using a suite of technologies to do do. We approach the topic from 3 separate paths; infrastructure, IT and innovation and legislation / regulations

1. Changing infrastructure
2. Smart technologies
3. Policy and legislation

Guests:

Howard Porter is the CEO of BEAMA, the Trade body for the UK electrical manufacturing industry. He has been in this post for 10 years. He is the Chairman of the implementation board of the Each Home Counts review of residential energy efficiency. He has a particular expertise in energy and the use of energy, with DPhil in the energy efficiency of housing,

Nick Woolley is ev.energy's CEO, and co-founder. Nick is a multi-EV owner and passionate about decarbonising the energy system. His past experience includes 8 years running a web development company, and 3 years working for National Grid, where he also spent 6 months working in partnership with US residential solar installer, Sunrun. He loves energy networks, and has a PhD in Power Systems.

David Overman is the Electricity Network Director at BUUK having held the position since 2006. BUUK Infrastructure is the leading independent provider of last-mile utility networks, constructing and operating essential utility assets in the UK. With over 30,000 discrete networks, serving over 1 million homes, they are the leading independent provider of last-mile networks. Prior to joining BUUK David was the Electricity Networks Director at East Anglia Electric.

Topics discussed in this episode:

Changing the Infrastructure

1. Are we ready for a more complex network with an exponential increase in EV, bi-directional power flow and 3 phase supply in the home?
2. EV’s as a battery source? Do we consider vehicles of the future as a mobile battery source for the home rather than an enabler to get from point a to point b?
3. How can we use technology to match energy demand with supply, in both the home and on the grid.

Smart technologies & emobility

1. What type of technology should we be looking at to decarbonise homes and does this differ between old and new dwellings?
2. How is smart data playing a part here?
3. How does emobility play a part in the zero carbon home of the future?
4. Does hydrogen have a role to play in decarbonising the home of the future? Do we need to adopt 1 decarbonisation type, or go for a, ‘Frankenstein’s monster’, concept?

Policy and legislation

1. Do you think the Governments policy for net zero homes is strong enough? Is there anything else they can do to stimulate growth in this sector?
2. How do you think housebuilders and developers have embraced the concept of smart homes & buildings and emobility in general?
3. How does the role of central and local government differ here, what are the areas to focus on to ensure success?
4. How do we make this more affordable / viable to the masses?

Resources

• The Schneider electric emobility web pages: - Evolution of Mobility Solutions
• https://www.se.com/uk/en/work/solutions/for-business/automotive/evolution.jsp
• The Schneider Electric Utilities web pages – Power Generation and Smart Grid. https://www.se.com/uk/en/work/solutions/for-business/electric-utilities/
• Smart Grid pages - https://www.se.com/uk/en/work/solutions/for-business/electric-utilities/
• Smart Homes pages - https://www.se.com/uk/en/home/partners/home-builders/