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The technology >> the economics >> the challenge

The challenge

Whilst there would be many beneficiaries from the introduction of dynamic demand technologies, nothing will happen until there is a secure financial incentive.

Although in theory the technology could earn money from the services it provides to power system operators, in practice this money is not yet accessible to those who may wish to invest in the technology. This is because current regulations and institutional policies are geared towards the traditional ways of providing ancillary services, namely through large generators.

What is needed is for Government, regulators, academics and system operators jointly to come up with a viable market mechanism to reward technologies like dynamic demand control.

Once established, dynamic demand control would require no public funding because it would provide low-cost alternatives to services that are already paid for and are likely to become more expensive. Dynamic demand would reduce the costs of keeping the power grid properly controlled.

The consensus amongst academics and experts interested in dynamic demand control is that the technical arguments are not controversial.

Changes in regulatory and institutional frameworks are now needed in order for support for this technology to become possible and for it to be widely adopted.

The not-for-profit company, Dynamic Demand, was founded and is run by a group of renewable energy and environmental advocates seeking to promote new technology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions associated with electricity generation, and to enable greater integration of renewable energy into the UK's power system.

The challenge is to demonstrate the potential of this area of technology, convince key decision-makers of its benefits, and pave the way for a thriving market.

You can help

We would be pleased to hear from people working in government, for the regulator, in power transmission, for a renewable energy provider or trade association, in academia, or in campaign organisations promoting environmental technology. Whatever your profession, or if you are an independent interested individual, there are some simple things you can do to help:

  1. Please link to this site. Linking to this site is a very easy way of helping dynamic demand control become a reality. It doesn't seem much but it will increase our traffic and search engine ratings which will boost awareness of the technology. Let us know and we will put a reciprocal link on our links page.
  2. Help spread the word. You probably know someone who should know about dynamic demand control. A large part of the challenge is making contact with the right people. You can help by talking to people and putting them in touch with us. See our contact details here.
  3. Keep in touch. News and updates will be posted from time to time on this site. You can receive regular updates by email here.
  4. Provide a platform. Dynamic demand control is an interesting technology that can add a new dimension to events. We are happy to speak at conferences and seminars about the technology and the latest research.
  5. Let us know what you think. Feedback is always useful: on the technology, how best to get it adopted or on this website. See the contact page.
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Dynamic Demand is an independent not-for-profit organisation
set up by a grant from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and supported by charitable donations.