Smart local energy systems: lessons for innovators

This report brings together summaries of learning and experience from 14 pioneering projects which were part of the Prospering from the Energy Revolution programme, funded by UKRI and delivered by Innovate UK and EPSRC.

The report covers the three completed demonstrator projects and 10 detailed design projects in locations across the UK. It summarises what each project achieved, the barriers it has faced and the key lessons that its partners and stakeholders have learnt.

Project by project, discover the main findings for each organised into five themes:

• Technical
• Policy and regulation
• Business models and business practices
• Social and community
• Finance and investment

This work aims to provide a provide a valuable resource for innovators developing new and existing smart local energy systems, and a starting point for the next generation of innovation projects.

With this information, new smart local energy ventures can stand on the shoulders of those who have already explored the options and identified some of the pathways to success.