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What’s in a framework for the future?


As the Energy Systems Catapult develops a future framework for a whole systems approach, the following questions will be considered:


n What are we developing the framework for, what questions do we seek to answer and why?


n How best do we define the whole system that we are interested in, and what are the interfaces to relevant external systems? How can we capture the interactions with these systems?


n Can we describe, to an appropriate level of detail, all the components and actors in the system? And can we describe how these are organised, and interact, within the system?


n Can the output serve the needs of diverse users? For example, is it useful to technologists and innovators, market-makers, investors, customers and communities? Will it allow technical, operational, business, market, policy and value risks to be characterised? And can it meet these needs with an internal


coherence such that even though different audiences are asking different questions the outcomes are consistent?


n Are the definitions used, and methodologies applied, so transparent that the user can validate the product against their requirements/perspective?


n Can the whole systems approach be used at different granularities? For example, can it help inform a high level, strategic view of the system as well as supporting more detailed views of particular aspects, or subsystems? And can it provide insight into the integration of systems, and of components into systems, knowing that the coherence of the whole will be maintained and assured?


n Can the system adapt, accommodating change both internally and in its interfaces to other, external, systems? Is it dynamic, and does it allow the dynamics of the system, from multiple perspectives, to be understood?


D & l E


Whole Energy System


ENERGY NEWS


Why a whole systems approach?


Our energy system is radically changing. The challenges of decarbonisation, an ageing infrastructure and shifts in societal expectations require a rethink in how we supply, manage and consume energy. Stronger consensus about the path forward, and finding the right solutions along the way, will benefit everyone. Government will make more informed policy decisions. Major suppliers and utility operators will find opportunities in a system that is more joined-up. Innovators and smaller businesses will be encouraged to enter a market that is easier and less costly to navigate. And consumers will enjoy more choice and better value for money.


Excerpt from the Energy System Catapult: ‘Welcome to the future of energy’.


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