ISSN 2753-7757 (Online)

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Heat pumps

Side on head and shoulder photo of Professor Patrick James sat a desk with left hand cupping chin and elbow resting on desk, while his right hand is keying something in to an angled touch screen; various lab equipment and wall and window in background

26/11/2025 Comment / Patrick James

Smart heat pumps: the potential for demand flexibility in the home

We are partly through a journey into widespread acceptance of the efficacy and suitability of heat pumps to serve UK homes. But a new study has demonstrated another valuable set of advantages to operators of electricity networks that should tip the balance decisively, argues Professor Patrick James from the University of Southampton.

Air source heat pumps

Head and shoulders photo of Kaj af Kleen nstanding in front of blurred background of plant pipework and control panel

11/2/2026 Comment / Kaj af Kleen

A smarter way to heat Europe’s homes

Heat pumps offer economic, environmental and energy security advantages over fossil gas boilers for domestic heating, and represent a fully proven technology in parts of northern Europe. Time for the rest of Europe to catch up, argues Kaj af Kleen, Chief Product and Technology Officer at heat pump company Aira.

Grid management

16/7/2025 Comment / Andrew Ward

The power of a UK domestic consumer/supplier partnership

Much good work on cutting carbon emissions from UK homes is being done by energy suppliers working alongside their customers. Here, Andrew Ward, Chief Executive of ScottishPower’s Customer Business, describes how it is making a substantial difference.

Electricity markets

Close up view of small battery energy storage systems stacked up in cuboid formation, with control unit with dials and knobs top located in the top right of the stack

EI Member only

14/1/2026 Feature / Jo Southernwood

Beyond the meter: turning electricity purchasing into a competitive advantage

As electricity grids continue their trajectory towards greater decentralisation, a new mandate is emerging for energy managers. They must evolve from being passive, price-accepting consumers to become active market participants. This fundamental shift is not just about cost-cutting, it’s about transforming energy from a fixed operational liability into a managed, flexible and strategic asset, writes independent sustainability consultant Jo Southernwood AMEI.

Smart systems

Woman presenting from lecturn on left of picture, with panel of four people sitting at table alongside, with screen projection behind

EI Member only

15/1/2025 Feature / Brian Davis

Powering up data-driven decarbonisation and flexibility

A recent energy policy debate at the Energy Institute focused on data-driven decarbonisation in the move towards smarter energy management. The vibrant discussion addressed how new digital technologies are affecting decision making, in the move from centralised power generation towards a smarter, but more complex, two-way supply and demand system. The opportunities arising from artificial intelligence (AI) and new software for improving data sharing and flexibility were also examined. New Energy World Features Editor Brian Davis reports.

Electricity

SSEN lines engineer using power tool to upgrade electricity network

EI Member only

4/5/2022 Feature / Brian Davis

Smart and flexible moves: DNO to DSO

Smart energy management is revolutionising the way electricity is being generated, distributed and consumed on the road to net zero by 2050. Here, Brian Davis examines how two UK Distributed Network Operators are changing to adopt flexible network operation as Distribution System Operators.

Energy efficiency

Close up of two EV charging units

EI Member only

20/4/2022 Feature / Brian Davis

The road to smart energy management

Britain’s energy landscape is being transformed as new smart technologies change the way we interact with the electricity system. It’s not just about smart meters but will impact anybody acquiring an electric vehicle or heat pump, with the opportunity to buy or sell power via vehicle-to-grid systems. Brian Davis reports.

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