Energy World July/August 2020

It's an exciting and challenging time to be a grid operator in the UK, which has seen record levels of low carbon energy on the network since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But while the record-breaking move away from coal is something to be celebrated in climate terms, the increasing integration of renewables can be somewhat tricky for utilities to negotiate.

Electricity networks are the first theme of our combined July/August issue. On page 14, we explore at how a reactive power market could enable better coordination between the electricity system operator and distribution networks. Articles on the integration of renewables and grid management in the era of COVID-19 come next.

This issue of Energy World also takes a look at new trends in energy management, with a piece on ‘virtual’ PPAs on pages 26 and 27, followed by a look at the energy management requirements of the UK’s rail network.

Elsewhere, we preview the Energy Institute's new user guide to hydrogen – a gas with a number of practical applications across the energy system. Pieces on the uses of the wonder material graphene, the role of gas as a 'bridge fuel' and the commercialisation of air source heat pumps, complete the issue.