There is no dearth of hi-tech electronics and yet we are always in the lookout for something better! Pictured here is a super saver refrigerator. How is it different from the rest? Well, it can be turned on and off by the electricity supplier without the homeowner being aware. You read it just correctly. Remotely controlled refrigerator from npower and RLtec is a step forward to save the planet.
What’s different? Appliances fitted with Dynamic Demand technology that automatically modifies their power consumption in response to second-by-second changes in the balance between supply and demand on the grid and that too without affecting the fridge’s performance is not something we come by every day.
Here are the words by the two companies and the Minister.
Minister for Energy Innovation, Lord Hunt:
Dynamic demand is an exciting technology with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the grid’s capacity to absorb wind energy – key elements of the government’s energy strategy for renewables. The report shows the potential of dynamic demand and I welcome the demonstration project led by npower and RLtec. The trial will help us gain a better understanding of how dynamic demand can work to reduce our use of fossil fuels. If successful it could help pave the way for the uptake of this technology nation-wide, which could result in significant carbon savings of around 2million tonnes Co2 a year or higher.
Bob Jackson, carbon savings manager at npower:
Dynamic demand has the potential to significantly reduce the amount of carbon emissions – so these trials with domestic customers are very important and we hope they will show the impact that this technology could have in the UK and around the world.
Andrew Howe from RLtec:
There is a clear and pressing need to reduce our carbon emissions, and we believe that Dynamic Demand has a key role to play in our efforts to re-think the way we generate, use and consume energy. Our analysis shows that more than two-thirds of the UK’s balancing capacity comes from carbon emitting sources. Dynamic Demand helps reduce that carbon-intensive balancing requirement, with no loss of performance from the appliances in which it is fitted, and with no action needed on the part of the consumer. We are delighted that npower has seen its potential, and that it can be used to meet its CERT targets.
Npower promises to distribute 300remotely controlled ‘smart fridges’ free to homeowners throughout Britain within the next five weeks as part of the energy companies’ efforts to tackle climate change. Quite possible most of you out there won’t be happy with it, as you won’t like to lose control over an appliance in your own home but one thing you all will agree with me on is that it’s a really innovative step to save the planet!
