Energy transition explained

Investment is made to reduce energy costs, and these savings are used to repay this investment. ESCOs make the investment and manage the performance of the project, receiving an agreed return through an EPC with the customer. There are different models where savings can be shared between the ESCO and customer, or where there is a guaranteed level of savings. Contract periods can be up to 20-30 years on some projects. EPCs are a low-risk method of financing and delivering energy efficiency improvements and renewable projects for businesses that lack the funds, technical experience and manpower needed for such projects.

A gas that absorbs and emits radiant energy within the thermal infrared range, causing the greenhouse effect.

A heat network (otherwise known as district heating) is a heating distribution system using insulated hot water pipes where centralised heat generation in one or more energy centres supplies heat to multiple buildings typically in close proximity. They can be used to provide space or water heating for residential or commercial requirements. Heat networks sizes vary, serving from 10s to 1000s customers and can run on a variety of fuels.

Hybrid heating systems combine a traditional fossil fuelled heating system, usually a natural gas or oil boiler, with a renewable energy heating technology e.g. a heat pump. The gas can then transition to biomethane or hydrogen to provide a fully decarbonised heating system. They can provide valuable flexibility to the electricity system.

Refills fuel cell electric vehicles with hydrogen.

Vehicles that use fossil fuels, typically petrol or diesel, to power their internal combustion engine.

Microgrids that are fully interconnected to a local utility grid and are capable of both consuming power from, and supplying power to, the utility grid. They can maintain some level of service during a grid outage.

A commercial carrier vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of no more than 3.5 metric tons in the European Union, Australia, New Zealand.

Organic compounds that can absorb and release hydrogen through chemical reactions that can be used as storage media for hydrogen.

The cooperation among consumers to satisfy their community’s energy needs by using locally produced renewable electricity from sources like wind farms.

A system designed to match energy supply and demand within a defined geographical area, incorporating energy distribution, management and metering.

Cities producing zero net carbon pollution.