ICE report T2.1.2 - ICE general methodology

Intelligent Community Energy (ICE) project reportThis document describes a proposed methodological approach to the design and implementation of smart energy island systems. It is informed by a desk review of the available literature on smart energy islands (see T2.1.1 ICE deliverable report), current thinking in electricity system planning, and the particular challenges facing isolated systems (eg. Ushant). The approach consists of a series of sequential steps and iterations between steps that aim to guide communities through the process of creating a smart energy system. Unique to this approach is the emphasis of fostering local skills, businesses and industry in the delivery of the program with the aim of retaining these long-term benefits within the community. The document lays out the specific considerations of the proposed generic methodology for the isolated system smart energy transition. The conceptual overview of the methodology is presented and the rationale behind this choice of framework is supported. The framework comprises a set of guidelines based on the understanding of the best practices in ongoing smart energy transition projects and the approaches to electricity system planning. Within the scope of the ICE methodological approach the role of the different key players in the implementation of the methodology and the rationale behind the choices made regarding technologies, policies and so on are detailed. These includes stakeholder engagement, assessing energy demand and supply outlook and issues around balancing. Options, system reliability, scenarios and the implementation, monitoring and revision of the energy transition aspects are then considered. The ultimate goal of the document is to provide a blueprint for smart energy transitions in isolated and peripheral territories and to allow transferability of the methodology. The result here is that the specificities including business models related to issues featuring isolated territories are all covered by this generic approach. In turn, the document aims to empower policymakers and stakeholders with the outlook, circumstantial evidence, and innovation on how to develop smart energy transition strategies for isolated and peripheral territories. Following an introduction to the aims and scope of the methodology and a schematic overview of the key elements, seven key processes are described: • Section 2 emphasises the significance of stakeholder engagement to successful implementation and proposes some guidelines for community involvement • Section 3 explores important considerations in the assessment of current energy demand patterns and their evolution through time • Section 4 presents guidelines in the identification and assessment of available energy supply options • Section 5 explores the issues and approaches to ensuring electricity system stability and reliability • Section 6 provides guidance on how communities might synthesise various sources of information to create a range of credible future scenarios and identify a preferred plan • Section 7 discusses implementation, in particular drawing attention to the crucial importance of ongoing monitoring and revision • Section 8 outlines the key area for consideration to ensure local business involvement in smart energy island transitionINTERRE