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Novoville Shared Works selected by Energy Systems Catapult with Repowering London

20-05-2024

BY LOUIS DAILLENCOURT

Novoville Shared Works selected by Energy Systems Catapult with Repowering London

Novoville Shared Works and Repowering London: pioneering inclusive energy solutions in blocks of flats.



In the journey towards a sustainable future, ensuring that no one is left behind is paramount.

The Inclusive Smart Solutions program, funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Energy Systems Catapult, aims to “enable large-scale widespread electricity system flexibility through smart, flexible, secure, and accessible technologies and markets”, setting the stage for transformative changes in how we manage and participate in our energy systems. Novoville Shared Works is proud to collaborate with Repowering London in this important initiative.

Repowering London champions community-centered energy solutions, focusing on local, renewable energy projects like community-owned solar to empower and benefit urban communities. Their extensive programs not only help decarbonise urban environments but also fight fuel poverty, build green skills, and change the energy system to be more democratic and decentralised. Through their efforts, they've installed significant solar capacity, supported hundreds of local residents, and provided crucial training and resources.

The Challenge


For the UK to achieve Net Zero by 2050, we will need smarter tariffs, and expanded energy service options. Key innovations include smart metering, demand-side flexibility and load balancing, using electric vehicles as batteries, installing heat pumps, and energy storage units.

However, there's concern that low-income and vulnerable (LIV) consumers may struggle to access and utilise these smart energy solutions, and risk being marginalised by the rapid technological advancements. The Inclusive Smart Solutions program is designed to prevent such disparities, focusing on enabling these consumers to benefit from and participate in smart, flexible energy systems.

Our solution


In partnership with Repowering London, Novoville Shared Works has proposed a solution to be further designed and tested during Energy Systems Catapult’s ambitious programme. Our joint initiative aims to bridge the gap between technological innovation and community needs by developing user-friendly solutions that enhance the engagement and empowerment of all consumers, especially those who are most vulnerable.

This service aims to facilitate access to technologies like communal solar PV, ground source heat pumps, and enhanced ventilation and insulation, which might otherwise be out of reach for these households.

Developed from Repowering's experience and co-design with stakeholders, the service includes:
Community Engagement: Tools and governance structures ensure LIV households can actively participate in and influence the retrofitting process, with potential for interested residents to receive additional training or roles as 'Community Leads'.
Data Collection: Comprehensive surveys will gather both qualitative and quantitative data on energy use, resident satisfaction, and property specifics, with smart meter data providing a basis for personalised energy advice and precise energy modelling.
Community CRM: Engagement will be supported by Novoville Shared Works serving as a central repository for building data, energy modelling, and connecting stakeholders.

Repowering will offer this service through agreements with building owners and managing agents, providing immediate outputs like bespoke energy advice, a comprehensive report on resident needs, a database of building data, and a preliminary retrofit options appraisal.
The service is designed to be cost-free for LIV households and supports their access to, purchase of, and confidence in using smart energy products.

The ISS Co-Design Process


Phase 1: Understanding and Innovation: The first phase of the program involves deep, investigative research to understand the specific barriers faced by LIV consumers. This research is crucial in tailoring solutions that are not only technologically sound but also accessible and beneficial to all. Novoville Shared Works contributes its extensive experience in digital platform management to ensure that the solutions we develop are intuitive and supportive of LIV consumer needs.
Phase 2: Development and Testing: Following the research and ideation stages, the next step involves co-creating and iteratively testing these solutions with LIV consumers. This phase is designed to refine our innovations to ensure they are practical and effective at a larger scale. Our goal is to facilitate a seamless integration of LIV consumers into the smart, flexible energy systems of tomorrow.

We’re delighted to be working alongside The Carbon Trust and TPX Impact who bring a strong co-design and project management skill set to the project. As we progress through the Inclusive Smart Solutions program, we are learning how Shared Works can ensure that every consumer, regardless of their economic status or vulnerabilities, has a stake in the UK’s energy future.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to break new ground in this exciting and important field! For more information on how Novoville Shared Works is making energy systems more inclusive, or to find out how you can contribute to or benefit from our initiatives, please contact Louis Daillencourt at Louis at louis@novoville.com