Transition to Smart Local Energy Systems: Energy Superhub Oxford Skills Case Study

Abstract

Countries around the world are decarbonising their economies with decentralised, local solutions becoming an increasingly common part of the energy landscape. The future energy system is expected to be based on clean, locally available renewable energy sources, all of which are connected and coordinated through smart digital energy solutions. Energy Superhub Oxford is a demonstrator project for such a future energy system.
Focusing on the Energy Superhub Oxford case study, the present report studies the drivers for and barriers to implementing such a future energy system. Through an interview-based analysis, it identifies what skills are necessary but are currently in short supply for supporting this transition to a smart local energy system. The report concludes with a set of policy and teaching/training recommendations which would foster skilling up this upcoming transition.

Keywords: smart local energy system, energy system, skill for energy transition, skills shortage, case study

JEL Classification: J24,J60,M15