About

Welcome to the EPICS-UK Centre: Pioneering the transition towards an electricity grid powered entirely by renewable energy.

At the forefront of the global challenge to decarbonise the electric power sector lies the integration of massive amounts of variable renewable energy resources (VRE) such as wind and solar. These VREs, marked by their variable nature, diverse sizes ranging from small and distributed (e.g., roof-top solar) to gigawatt-scale (e.g., large solar and wind farms), connection to the electric grid via power electronic inverters and not synchronous machines as was the norm and near-zero marginal cost, present a paradigm shift in the century-long physical and decades-old economic principles of power grid planning and operation. 

The Leverhulme International Professorship, held by Professor Mark O'Malley predates the establishment of EPICS-UK. This work is now fully integrated into EPICS-UK.

EPICS-UK is a collaboration between Imperial's Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, the Business School and the Dyson School of Design Engineering along with the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde and the School of Social and Political Science at the University of Edinburgh.  It is an integral part of the EPICS Global Centre, collaborating with academic leaders from  Australia (University of Melbourne, Monash University, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization) and the United States (Johns Hopkins University, Georgia Tech, University of California Davis and Resources for the Future). The EPICS Centre recognises that the characteristics of VRE pose formidable challenges to achieving deep decarbonization in the electric power sector. The repercussions extend well beyond, hindering the electrification of other crucial sectors like transportation and building heating or cooling. As we approach the ambitious goal of 100% renewable energy in our power grids, concerns arise about the dramatic rise in cost of electricity and the potential compromise of security of supply.

To further strengthen our impact, we have formed strategic partnerships with three key global organizations: the Global Power System Transformation Consortium (G-PST), the Energy Systems Integration Group (ESIG), and the Future Power Forum Market (FPFM). Together, we are committed to driving the EPICS Centre's comprehensive implementation agenda, encompassing research translation into real-world demonstrations and deployment, education, workforce development, and public outreach.

What sets EPICS apart is our commitment to addressing this challenge head-on. We understand that the transition towards a power grid dominated by inverter based VRE demands a paradigm shift in planning and operation. Our mission revolves around answering a pivotal question:

How can the traditional approach to power grid planning and operation be revolutionized to seamlessly accommodate very high shares of inverter-based VRE resources, ultimately realizing a power grid with 100% renewable energy? A grid that is not only sustainable, affordable, reliable, but also resilient enough to support the ambitious decarbonization of other economic sectors?

EPICS is dedicated to pioneering scientific principles, developing cutting-edge tools, and curating essential data for decision support to realise a power grid with 100% renewable energy. By doing so, we aim to significantly reduce the transition cost and duration, thereby safeguarding climate and clean-energy pledges.

Join us on this transformative journey towards a sustainable energy future. Together, we can overcome the challenges, redefine the norms, and create a resilient power grid that powers a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

EPICS Network

EPICS-UK EDI Strategy