Innovation

At BHESCo we embrace progress.
Our work combines cutting-edge technical innovation with our unique economic model to accelerate the rapid transformation of our energy supply

To avoid the worst case scenarios of climate breakdown we must revolutionise the way we heat and power our lives – transitioning away from fossil fuels and towards a system based on clean, renewable energy.

The community energy sector is an ideal testing-ground for the latest innovations, where new technologies can be deployed and evaluated before being rolled out on a national scale.

From microgrids and heat networks to smart metering and energy storage, BHESCo embraces innovation across the energy sector. We are dedicated to understanding which emerging technologies offer the best solutions to achieving zero carbon, and to identifying opportunities where systems can be integrated to deliver maximum impact.

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Microgrids

By combining renewable micro-generation technologies with emerging energy storage capabilities and digital trading platforms, communities across the UK can achieve energy independence for the very first time.

Microgrids present an abundance of opportunities for communities to save money, improve resilience, and accelerate the transition in the South East to a 100% clean energy supply.

BHESCo are partnering with communities throughout Sussex and Kent who are interested in developing their own low-carbon microgrids in response to the climate emergency.

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Heat Networks

The decarbonisation of our heat supply is one of the most difficult challenges we face in the race to zero-carbon, and as such this sector has been identified as a top priority by the UK Government.

This is especially important for rural communities in England, where the majority of households rely on fossil fuels as a source of heat, usually heating oil, liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or red diesel.

Burning these fuels releases carbon-dioxide, a key contributor to the climate change crisis, as well as other toxic air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxides.

BHESCo are developing a number of innovative solutions to heat and power homes in rural areas through a combination of energy efficiency improvements, shared heat networks and renewable energy generation.

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Innovation Research and Development

At BHESCo we want to take advantage of the latest technologies and innovations that will deliver a zero-carbon energy supply for our homes businesses.

We are constantly researching new types of software, energy generating technologies, economic models and scientific discoveries that will support our mission to power our lives with local clean energy.

We regularly share our insights and commentary by publishing articles on our blog. Here is selection of some of our most fascinating discoveries around innovation and technology.

How to capture energy - the battery storage revolution

The way we power our lives is changing at a rapid pace and in the coming years battery storage technology will play an increasingly vital role in Brighton and Hove’s journey towards a net zero carbon city.

How will the rise of Big Data affect the energy industry?

The emergence of ‘Big Data’ is having a profound impact on all sectors of society and is expected to play a big role in forecasting demand within the energy sector. The question is, who can you trust with your data?

How blockchain technology could transform the energy market

The rise of blockchain technology has created new and exciting opportunities in all areas of the economy. We examine the emergence of the ‘prosumer’ and the potential for blockchain to revolutionise the way we buy and sell energy.

How can heat pumps transform the future of heating?

Heat pumps have been in use for at least thirty years in Scandinavian countries and offer a highly efficient way of generating heat. We expect heat pumps to play a pivotal role in the decarbonisation of the UK’s heat supply.

How ‘Time of Use Tariffs’ will change the way we buy energy

Most customers expect to pay a set price for their electricity regardless of the time of the day or the month of the year. This is all set to change over the next ten years with the introduction of Time of Use Tariffs.

How smart meters and data management will enable energy customers to drive down costs

Modern smart meters and technologies can give property owners much greater control and understanding over their energy consumption and operating costs