Simon Gill, PhD, MPhys, MIET

My work focuses on the engineering challenges involved in developing the electricity system for a low carbon future. I have experience of projects at a range of levels form local small-scale community schemes up to understanding of the operation of transmission systems and the issues of balancing a nationwide system. As a ClimateXChange Research Fellow I have a particular interest in the Scottish energy system and how this interacts with the rest of the Great Brittain and Europe.

I have worked on several major industry projects over the past few years. Notably the Northern Isles New Energy Solutions project (NINES) with Scottish Hydro Energy Power Distribution and the Accelerating Renewable Connections (ARC) project with Scottish Power Energy Networks. Both projects are developing new ways of running local electricity networks to allow greater use of renewable generation, and to link local generation and demand through community energy schemes.

My academic research has, to date, included the development of a Dynamic Optimal Power Flow to analysis the optimal operation of schemes which use energy storage and flexible demand to minimise the curtailment of distributed wind generation. I spent four years with the Wind Energy Centre for Doctoral Training at the University of Strathclyde and have a good understanding of the impacts of wind generation on power systems at all levels.

My research interests fall under four main points:

·          energy and electricity system modelling;

·          smart Grid technologies including energy storage and flexible demand;

·          the integration of wind generation; and

·          community energy.

Follow me on Twiter @simonagill