Rapid decarbonisation of our energy system is required to mitigate climate change. Energy demand from the built stock is an important component of the zero carbon transition; the domestic sector is the largest energy demand during the winter peak. Central to most plans to decarbonise the UK are the electrification of heat and transport, leading to significant increases in electricity demand from heat pumps (HPs) and for charging electric vehicles (EVs).

Matching electricity demand with supply is critical for energy security and avoiding power cuts, and may be achieved through flexible generation, storage and demand side response (DSR). With the rapid increase in relatively inflexible low carbon generation (wind, PV, nuclear), storage and DSR are expected to play a major role in balancing the grid on an hourly timescale. However, the real potential for DSR, changing demand in response to a signal, depends on the technologies installed, behaviours, the physical properties of a home and the heating system. This is not well characterised for homes that fall outside specific technology trials and therefore the true demand profiles and potential to adapt them are not well defined.

This PhD will address this exciting area by analysing smart meter data, survey data and energy performance certificate (EPC) data to provide insights into the demand from homes with HPs and EVs. Temperature monitoring may also be used to bring deeper insights into how and when heating is used, and to better understand the thermal performance of homes.

The successful candidate will work with internationally respected researchers, supported not only by their supervisors but also by the vibrant and skilled research teams undertaking cutting-edge research in this area. They will also join the wider ERBE cohort to benefit from high quality training and support throughout their PhD.

This project aims to analyse smart meter data, contextual survey information and EPC data, potentially including benchmark modelling, to investigate the difference between demand profiles for homes with conventional heating and vehicles to those with HPs and EVs. It will provide insights into the real demand from these technologies over different seasons and demographics. The flexibility to change consumption in response to a price signal (DSR) will be explored, building on UCL's research into flexibility ratings, with a sub-set participating in internal temperature monitoring to derive more detailed insight.