The UK’s energy environment is a complex set of needs, technologies and choices. Given the challenges, how do we prepare for the future?

The ETI’s peer-reviewed Energy System Modelling Environment (ESME) helps answer some of those questions, identifying key areas for strategic investment by the ETI and also underpinning and informing UK Government energy policy.

With so many competing technology options, we need accurate modelling tools that enable us to target investment at the right mix of low carbon solutions.

In 2009 we developed our Energy Systems Modelling Environment (ESME). During 2010 this was positively peer reviewed by internationally renowned leaders in the field and it is now being used with confidence by ETI and the UK Government to support technology development and prioritisation.

ESME acknowledges that there are major uncertainties in the design of the future energy system including geography, cost and skill base. It operates as a design tool rather than a forecasting tool and was developed to fill a gap in the UK energy system modelling environment. The model focuses on a whole system analysis, including interactions between power, heat, transport and infrastructure. It also considers the performance, costs and rates of installation for new technologies. Potential supply, demand and infrastructure options are defined against geographic location.

ESME will help answer questions such as:

• What might be ‘no regret’ technology choices and pathways to 2050 targets?
• How might accelerating the development of a technology impact the solution?
• Where are the key constraints e.g. Energy resources, supply chains?
• What is the total system cost of meeting the energy targets?
• What are the key skills requirements for delivering and supporting the UK energy system?