Page 32 - Gi flipbook - October 2018

IGEM NEWS | Industrial Affiliates

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

STEER UK TOWARDS

A GREENER FUTURE

ELECTRIC VEHICLES will play a major through vehicle-to-grid technology. Fintan added: “The scenarios are GETTY IMAGES
role in delivering a low carbon future In three out of four scenarios, the not predictions, but they aim to be a
– this is just one of many insights report says gas continues to provide catalyst for debate, decision making
published in National Grid’s annual more energy than electricity by 2050 and change, and provide
Future Energy Scenarios report. and remains the dominant form of transparency to the wider industry.
Through smart charging and heating well into the 2030s. We are already operating in an
vehicle-to-grid technologies, this However, its usage patterns will exciting period of change – a trend
year’s analysis reveals electric change, providing flexibility for both which is set to continue, certainly up
vehicles will be able to support the heat and electricity generation, to 2050 and beyond.”
continued growth in renewables by complementing renewables. Energy and Clean Growth Minister
storing excess generation and Fintan Slye, Director of UK System Claire Perry said: “As we move
releasing it back onto the network Operations at National Grid, said: “The towards a low carbon economy, we
when it is needed. continued growth in electric vehicles, want to position the UK as a leader in
The report, which provides an a greater volume of low carbon clean and efficient power for
insight into how we could be using generation and the advancement of transport and heating. We have
energy in the future and where it storage technology, are among the announced significant investment in
could come from, suggests major trends that have emerged from electric vehicle charging infrastructure,
electricity demand is expected to this year’s report. including £30 million R&D investment
grow significantly by 2050, driven by “This means balancing energy in smart charging points.
increased electrification of transport supply and demand will become “With demand for electricity
and heating. There could be as many increasingly complex between now expected to increase, gas has a key
as 11 million electric vehicles on our and 2050. The growth of role to play in our energy mix. As part
roads by 2030 and 36 million by decentralised generation, meeting of our modern industrial strategy, we
2040. The increase in electricity carbon reduction targets for heat and will continue to explore options for
peak demand could be as little as the continued importance of gas safe and secure domestic supplies of
8GW in 2040 if consumers charge furthers the need for a co-ordinated gas, such as hydrogen, biogas and
vehicles at off peak times and approach across the whole industry.” natural gas from shale.” ■

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