14 Oct 2021

techUK Publishes a Whitepaper Highlighting the Power of Digital Twins in the Energy Sector

Announcement - new whitepaper exploring the power of digital twins in the energy sector.

A new techUK whitepaper published today sets out the possibilities of the wider implementation of digital twin technology in the UK’s energy sector. Digital twins are defined by techUK as ‘a relevant, virtual representation of the state and behavior of something physical or non-physical with a functional output in the real world’. To put it simply, a digital twin is a digital copy of a real-life asset, process, or system.

Digital twins are presently used to model many different things, from car engines, to supply chains, to entire cities. They allow stakeholders and policymakers to gain insights into the real-life processes that would be otherwise highly time and labor intensive. Their implementation in industries like construction has saved money, increased delivery speed, and improved sustainability.

“The widespread adoption of digital twins in the energy sector would make the UK a world leader in addressing the issues of efficiency, risk management and renewable energy deployment. By utilising digital twin technology, the energy sector can create win-wins for customers, shareholders and the environment. A digital twin for the entire energy infrastructure would be big step on the path to net zero. ”

Teodora Kaneva, Head of Smart Infrastructure and Systems

techUK

The whitepaper illustrates how digital twins are already being successfully utilised in some parts of the energy system and how they can be applied to help address some of the greatest challenges that the energy sector faces including the renewable transition, risk management and performance optimisation

“While we are seeing the energy sector start to develop digital twins, compared to other sectors the approaches being adopted are relatively immature and disjointed. A sector-wide approach could be a game changer for the UK’s energy system.”

Susanne Baker, Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability

techUK

Teodora Kaneva

Head of Smart Infrastructure and Systems, techUK

Teodora’s rich background varies from working in business development for a renewable energy lobbying association in Brussels to the fast moving technology innovation startup scene in the UK.

She has designed the market strategy for a German renewable energy engineering scale up for the UK, listed on Nasdaq private market, and now one of the fastest growing scale ups in the world. Previous experience also includes managing a renewable energy startup in London, which has built a small-scale biomass CHP power plant. Teodora is passionate about cross-industry collaboration and working together with academia to inform the design of future educational models and skill building.

Most recently Teodora has ran the commercial activities and business development at Future Cities Catapult, focusing on innovation in cities, digital health and wellbeing, mobility, and infrastructure. Teodora is a passionate STEM Ambassador and a vocal advocate for women in tech.