National Centre for Energy Systems Integration

Research

The Centre's Research

The Centre for Energy Systems Integration (CESI) aim is to reduce the risks associated with securing an integrated energy system for the UK.

Centre Partnership

The Centre for Energy Systems Integration (CESI) aim is to reduce the risks associated with securing an integrated energy system for the UK.
CESI is a unique partnership of six research intensive universities and strategic industrial partner Siemens.

  • Newcastle University
  • Durham University
  • University of Bristol
  • University of Edinburgh
  • Heriot-Watt University 
  • University of Sussex

Research Challenge

Energy systems are important to the future of UK industry and society. Yet, the energy trilemma presents many complex interconnected challenges.

Current integrated energy systems modelling and simulation techniques suffer from some shortcomings:-

  • high level and static 
  • answers or predictions utilise simplified assumptions
  • a limited degree of confidence
  • unmeasured uncertainty

So models are unable to provide accurate or detailed enough integrated representations. The aspects of real energy systems aren't taken into account sufficiently:-

  • physics
  • engineering
  • social
  • spatial 
  • temporal 
  • stochastic 

They also struggle to generate robust long-term plans in the face of uncertainties:-

  • commercial and technological developments
  • the effects of climate change
  • behavioural dynamics
  • technological inter-dependencies

CESI aims to address these challenges by adopting a multi-vector and multi-vector approach within a highly collaborative environment.