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Energy Systems Interest Group

Mission Statement

Enabling a systems approach for an effective UK Energy System transition with positive outcomes for society and the environment.

Introduction

The UK Energy System faces some particular challenges as we embrace decarbonisation and seek to integrate a stream of innovations into effective solutions for the future.

There are many experts in the energy domain and many in systems engineering, but the fundamental purpose of this new interest group is to provide an opportunity for this expertise to be shared, promoting greater whole Systems Thinking in the sector. This is key if we are to unlock the significant benefits of a decarbonised energy system across the UK, and beyond.

Drivers – The Four Ds

  • Decentralisation
  • Decarbonisation
  • Democratisation
  • Digitalisation

Challenges

  • Change is coming from multiple directions
  • It is transformational, not incremental in nature
  • It is characterised by unprecedented complexity and uncertainty
  • It is unfolding at increasing pace
  • We are dealing with a complex socio-technical system of systems that involves products, processes, services, people, culture, regulation, reward systems, information systems, and more

Objectives

  • Discover where there are exemplars of applying systems engineering / systems thinking best practice in the UK energy systems sector
  • Discover where there are gaps in awareness or application of the same
  • Promote opportunities for sharing best practice within the sector
  • Promote opportunities for bringing best practice from other sectors into the UK energy systems sector and vice versa
  • Liaise with the INCOSE Central “Power & Energy Systems Working Group”

Core Values

Our core values are aligned to the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) and the UK Engineering Council's six guiding principles when making decisions that affect sustainability.

The six principles are as follows:

  1. Contribute to building a sustainable society, present and future.
  2. Apply professional and responsible judgement and take a leadership role.
  3. Do more than just comply with legislation and codes: be prepared to challenge the status quo.
  4. Use resources efficiently and effectively.
  5. Seek multiple views to solve sustainability challenges.
  6. Manage risk to minimise adverse impact and maximise benefit to people and the environment.

Activities

We expect to meet as a whole group three times per year at different venues around the UK. Throughout the year, we will progress through an agreed hit-list of activities and organise a range of supporting events as required. As and when a need for a particular work product is identified, we may spin off a dedicated Working Group to develop it.