• Advancement of
  Power Networks

  

  Advancement of Power Networks focuses primarily on accelerating and de-risking innovations that support the significant changes in electricity generation and demand characteristics resulting from the net zero transition. Particular focus will continue to be placed on solutions that increase power systems robustness and security, support the digitalisation of the entire power network sector, and facilitate the greater flexibility and participation of demand-side innovations in the energy transition.

• Decarbonisation
  of Transport

  

  Decarbonisation of Transport focuses primarily on accelerating and de-risking novel low carbon transport systems for land, marine and aero transport sectors. This covers vehicle charging infrastructure innovations and onboard systems, focusing on new electric drive trains and onboard systems, including fuel cells, batteries, and power electronics, machines and drives (PEMD) components. Advancement of electric vehicle grid integration and energy system flexibility is another central component of this focus area.

• Decarbonisation
  of Heat

  

  Decarbonisation of Heat focuses primarily on accelerating and de-risking novel low carbon heating solutions, both at large scale (e.g. zero carbon CHP, district heating schemes, hydrogen for heating) and at a smaller scale, addressing the domestic/small commercial scale markets (e.g. heat pumps, hydrogen boilers, solar thermal), with a particular focus on integrating novel low carbon heating technologies into the wider energy system, their control and scheduling, and the impact of consumer behaviour on technology development.

Innovation Theme Forums

PNDC promotes knowledge sharing and project co-creation to maximise benefits and learning across all its partners. Within the framework of the Focus Areas, several Innovation Forums provide a focus for discussion and engagement between PNDC, its partners, University academics, and other external stakeholders on specific technical and innovation topics, providing a platform for knowledge exchange, driving collaborative working, stimulating innovation and avoiding duplication of innovation investments.