The technology
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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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Keep in touch. News and updates will
be posted from time to time on this site. You can receive regular
updates by email here.
- 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.
- 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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