For many years, the energy transition and the idea of a net zero world has felt like something for the future. Obstacles such as poor availability, uncertain cost effectiveness and a lack of widespread knowledge or proven case studies have prevented businesses from embracing key energy transition-enabling technologies and taking action. Now, as these technologies become increasingly affordable and familiar, businesses are in the perfect position to act.

In this blog, we look at four technologies that will be key in the net zero energy transition and what they could mean for your business’s sustainable energy journey.

Investing in energy storage is one of the simplest and most-effective ways to take advantage of the opportunities within the net zero energy transition. Able to store self-generated electricity as well as intelligently collect energy from the grid at times when it’s cheapest, batteries can help businesses avoid costly peak charges whilst also providing resilience. Batteries can also import energy from the grid when it’s at lower carbon intensity to help support a net zero system.

Battery energy storage also enables your business to maximise the use of other low-carbon technologies such as photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. Solar panels are a great choice for business looking to generate renewable electricity on-site because they can help you make use of otherwise largely unused space, such as rooftops.

Pairing technologies such as PV and battery storage can form the basis of an effective, wider energy strategy as storage enables your self-generated electricity to be used when the sun isn’t shining, instead of going to waste. Businesses could also choose to trade back to the grid at a time when others need it more, providing a new stream of revenue whilst supporting a net zero system.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are another way businesses can take their next steps in the net zero energy transition. And best of all, with the right strategy in place, there are multiple benefits to electrifying a business fleet. Having EV chargers on-site could boost footfall as EV cars become more popular among the public. Additionally, they could provide an extra revenue source if businesses rent out charging spaces to the community or other companies outside of office hours. And, if paired with a renewable electricity supply or on-site generation, a fleet of electric company cars can help a business reduce its carbon footprint straight away.

With non-domestic buildings accounting for nearly 1/5 of the UK’s carbon emissions¹, electrifying and decarbonising heating is becoming an increasing priority for businesses. Heat pumps have a key role to play in this and, as they become better understood, more affordable and accessible, how can businesses take advantage of them?

Air source or ground source heat pumps can be installed on the outside of commercial buildings and are powered by electricity. They work by extracting heat from air or water and using it to heat a building. This electrification of heating can help businesses reduce both their energy bills and, especially if powered by renewable electricity, their carbon emissions. Whilst a relatively new technology, businesses adopting heat pumps now can enhance their reputations as leaders in the energy transition.

As well as taking advantage of existing low-carbon technologies, businesses can also be aware of innovations that are – although in their early development stages – likely to play a major part in the future energy system. Green hydrogen is an example of this – a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel gas that can be produced using renewable energy sources. Extremely versatile, it can be used to power a variety of applications, and can be used as a fuel, to generate heat and electricity, as well as a raw material in industrial processes and products. As such, it’s likely to have a key role in decarbonising heat and transport, and for existing energy-using assets that cannot be electrified, such as high-temperature processes.

Through optimising their electricity use, businesses can maximise the benefits of these low-carbon technologies and reduce their electricity costs. Optimisation involves using data analytics and machine learning to analyse electricity consumption patterns and identify areas where usage can be adjusted for greater efficiency and in response to the grid’s needs.

For example, here at Bryt Energy, we use integrating technologies to harmonise customers’ electricity consumption (in operations such as industrial machinery, refrigeration or HVAC) with periods of high renewable generation and system needs. This enables businesses to be more intelligent and sustainable with their electricity usage, to earn revenue and reduce costs by making use of what they’ve already got – all while business activities remain unimpacted.

Low-carbon technologies are becoming more widely available, and increasingly more cost-effective. By considering storage technologies, on-site generation, electric vehicles, heat pumps and being aware of green hydrogen, businesses can embrace the cost saving, revenue and reputational opportunities these technologies offer. And, by bringing it all together with optimisation and a holistic energy strategy, businesses of any size can gain all the benefits and take this vital next step in their net zero energy transition journeys. And they can do it now.

Read the third guide in our Navigating The Net Zero Energy Transition And What It Means For Your Business series to find out more: https://www.brytenergy.co.uk/navigating-the-energy-transition/.