SmartHubs energy innovation project in West Sussex

What is the project?

The SmartHubs project will create and demonstrate an innovative low-carbon
energy system of the future in West Sussex. It will introduce new ways of
generating and storing low-carbon heat, electricity and energy for transport
and demonstrate how these can be integrated to balance energy supply and
demand and deliver cost and carbon benefits for project partners, including
businesses and residents.

Why was the project developed?

The development of smart energy systems represents a huge market opportunity
for the UK with around $2 trillion estimated to be invested in global energy
infrastructure each year.

The Government is providing funding for four demonstrator projects, including
SmartHubs, through Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation. The
other projects are The Energy Superhub Oxford, ReFLEX Orkney and Project
Leo. The ‘Prospering from the Energy Revolution’ challenge is an overall £102.5
million investment to develop smart systems that support the global move to
renewable energy.

These integrated systems will provide cheaper and cleaner household and
commercial energy, while creating high value jobs for the UK, enabling the UK
government to meet the priorities set out in the Clean Growth Strategy, the Smart
Energy Systems and Flexibility Plan, and the Industrial Strategy’s clean growth
pillar. This will help the UK to meet air quality targets at lower investment costs,
avoid power cuts and contribute to meeting the fifth carbon budget (from 2028).

What does the project involve?

The implementation phase of the project will see the installation and smart
management of solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, domestic air source
heating, commercial marine source heat, domestic and commercial energy
storage and hydrogen refuelling for transport.

The project will integrate and optimise these systems to provide a range of
efficiency, financial and environmental benefits to residents and commercial
organisations. West Sussex County Council are supporting deployment of all
assets within the county in order to meet their carbon goals and commitment
to renewables.