AUTHOR
Adam Wray-Summerson
Technical Sales Director
The UK energy transition has largely focused on large-scale renewables and industrial decarbonisation, but this thought piece argues that behind-themeter (BTM) distributed generation and demand side response (DSR) solutions are being overlooked. These smaller, decentralised energy assets, such as rooftop solar, battery storage, and hybrid microgrids, offer immediate, flexible, and resilient pathways to decarbonisation.
With over 50% of UK electricity now coming from renewables, the grid faces new challenges in balancing supply and demand. The expansion of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and long-duration storage is critical to managing the intermittency of a renewables-based energy system whilst ensuring grid stability. However, the role of BTM assets in supporting local resilience, reducing peak demand, and enhancing energy autonomy is underutilised.
This article highlights the economic and environmental benefits of empowering consumers and businesses to generate, store, and manage their own energy. These benefits include lower energy costs, new revenue streams, and improved energy security. The article also underscores the need for pragmatic, diverse energy strategies that integrate renewables, storage, and decentralised generation, rather than relying solely on electrification and hydrogen.
Demand Side Response – Have We Forgotten About the Little Guy?
Read and download the full whitepaper here.
.
