A plan to give homes and businesses more control over their energy use and support innovative technologies was set out by the Climate Change and Industry Minister, Claire Perry, during a visit to the University of Nottingham this month.

The plan will deliver a smarter and more flexible energy system by removing barriers to smart technology, helping reduce costs for consumers.

The minister met with researchers at the University’s Creative Energy Homes project, which is at the forefront of the development of new smart systems technologies which will change the way the UK stores, manages and consumes energy. Creative Energy Homes that serve as a living test-site for leading firms to work with the University to investigate the integration of energy efficient technologies into houses.

The Minister said: “As part of our Industrial Strategy, the Government has launched an ambitious and far-reaching plan to prepare our energy system in the future. I was fascinated by the groundbreaking research being carried out by the University of Nottingham, which incorporates small energy systems in local housing projects. The plan we published today will help make it even easier for these new technologies to be rolled out across the country.”

Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Research and Knowledge Exchange said: “Today’s developments come at an exciting time following the University’s recent announcement on an unprecedented planned investment of £200 million into six beacons of excellence – key research areas which aim to develop solutions for today’s most significant global challenges.

“Green Chemicals for instance, aims to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels which in turn will give rise to new forms of energy, while Propulsion Futures will further the development of the next generation of high power density and low-loss electrical machines that will drive the electrification of transport. This will see the further development of strategic research priority areas covering Energy, Aerospace and Transport Technologies.

“It is an exciting prospect that we are revolutionising the way people can now be part of creating and managing their own energy system and contributing to the energy needs of the future. It is encouraging that the Government and Ofgem are committed to removing barriers to the introduction of smart energy technologies. The key is to get the regulatory framework right and not hold back progress.”