Through three of its projects SYSC has examined the future of residential energy systems in South Yorkshire. Producing a roadmap for the decarbonisation of housing in South Yorkshire has looked at the energy system requirements needed to decarbonise residential heating. Residential Heat Storage and Control has explored how ambient loop heat networks and thermal storage can deliver affordable, user-friendly home heating that cuts peak demand and avoids costly grid upgrades. Renewable energy-based power plants examined the whole life cycle carbon footprint of renewable-based integrated power plants that use geothermal, wind and solar energy sources. Together, these projects give an in-depth view of how we power homes, what needs to be done to decarbonise residential energy systems and what the future holds.
The UK’s transition to net-zero is heavily reliant on the decarbonisation of home heating, which currently accounts for 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions. While the government’s Warm Homes Plan aims to accelerate the rollout of heat pumps and solar panels, South Yorkshire faces a significant challenge: its existing electricity grid is ill-equipped for the resulting surge in demand. Regional modeling suggests that without intervention, 50% of local substations will be overloaded by 2050, necessitating upgrades costing approximately £940 per customer. Research from the South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre (SYSC) indicates that achieving a resilient, affordable, and low-carbon energy future requires a strategic combination of demand flexibility, diversified heating technologies, and the localized development of hybrid renewable energy systems.
Key Findings
The “Demand Flexibility to Support the Electrification of Heat and Transport” case study highlights that while electrification is essential, simple price incentives like time-of-use tariffs are insufficient to manage grid strain and may even create new demand spikes. Instead, the implementation of smart grid controls which coordinate electric vehicle (EV) chargers and heat pumps could reduce residential peak energy demand by 21%. The study found that EV chargers offer the highest flexibility; by placing these under smart control, residents can maintain full user control over their heat pumps and still retain ~80% of the cost benefits. Furthermore, increasing workplace charging opportunities could further reduce peaks by an additional 5%.
The “Novel Storage and Control Technologies for Decarbonisation of Domestic Heat” case study emphasises that domestic thermal storage and district heat networks (DHNs) are vital for a balanced energy mix. Thermal storage can shift demand to off-peak periods, potentially delivering lower operating costs than gas boilers without the need for disruptive fabric retrofit measures. Regarding DHNs, the research found that 4% of South Yorkshire's housing stock is currently viable for connection, particularly when following a "Social-Leaning" development strategy that commercial interest with social good. Additionally, utilising industrial waste heat could reduce regional heating costs by 3.5% and carbon emissions by 45,000 tonnes annually.
The final case study, “Hybrid Renewable Power Systems for Net-Zero”, provides actionable recommendations for South Yorkshire. For example, South Yorkshire has the potential to become a national hub for hybrid renewable energy technologies, including advanced Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs). To mitigate the environmental impacts of manufacturing and maximise energy security, the research promotes the development of circular supply chains that leverage the region's existing steel and copper industries. By aligning specialist skills training with regional retrofit programmes like the Home Upgrade Grant, South Yorkshire can stimulate local green manufacturing and ensure a skilled workforce is ready to deploy these advanced, integrated energy systems at scale.
View the Case Studies below
Read the case studies in full below:
