Developing new perspectives on the energy trilemma

Abstract

The energy group of SCI (Society of Chemical Industry) was host for an event on 28th March 2017 at SCI Headquarters in London (UK) with a meeting on the important topic of the energy trilemma (sustainable, affordable and secure supply of energy). Alexandra Carrick gives an overview of the event.

The World Energy Councils definition of energy sustainability “is based on three core dimensions energy security, energy equity, and environmental sustainability (https://www.worldenergy.org/work-programme/strategic-insight/assessment-of-energy-climate-change-policy/).” This is key to the prosperity of society and new technologies in addition to established ones are required to help UK meet a target of 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.

The SCIs Energy Group was formed in 2015 to “provide an independent, multidisciplinary science-based perspective on the energy trilemma”. As part of this remit, the Energy Group commissioned the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) to carry out modelling work which looks at both existing and emerging technologies for a number of situations for the UK energy system. ETI has used the established Energy System Modelling Environment (ESME) energy model. The model was originally created for ETIs own purposes for identifying and designing investments in technology programmes but ETIs public and private sector members use the model to find insights with relevance for wider national decarbonisation policy and strategy. In this modelling case, it is hoped that outputs and conclusions will be used in government consultations and in regulatory and market incentives and investments.

The aim of the meeting was to introduce the Energy Groups modelling programme and its application to work of the Chemistry Growth Partnership (CGP) on Industrial Decarbonisation. The programme had three invited speakers. Firstly, Chris Heaton (Strategy Manager Modelling, ETI) gave an update on modelling the UK energy system. The second speaker was Peter Clark, the Knowledge Transfer Manager, Chemistry Knowledge Transfer Network. His talk was on the Chemistry Growth Partnership Action Plan for Decarbonisation of the Chemical Industry.

Niall Mac Dowell (Faculty of Natural Sciences, Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College) was the last speaker on the topic of CCUS in the UK Energy System and the challenges of deploying it in industry or the chemical industry.

Finally participation in a panel question and answer session was encouraged followed by a drinks reception and networking.

Going forward as part of the SCIs Energy Groups meeting programme, another event is planned for June which focuses on the technology options for the energy trilemma.