An overview:

Smart Energy Network Demonstrator

A European first, this world-class demonstrator facility for smart energy research and development will enable the testing and evaluation of new and evolving energy technologies. Working collaboratively with local partner companies, the programme will provide the opportunity to assess the efficiency of these new technologies in terms of energy reduction, cost and CO2 emissions.

ERDF and UK Government logos Transforming the Keele University campus into an ‘at scale living laboratory’ will provide a unique testing site model due to the diverse range of activities and facilities within it – 3,100 students in halls of residence, 1,000 commercial users on the Science and Innovation Park, 200 ‘standard’ domestic households, and academic activities serving 12,500 students.

The SEND programme (ref. 32R16P00706) is part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the England 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) Growth Programme, and is available to ERDF eligible companies. The programme is also receiving funds from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

What impact will it make?

By 2023, the Smart Energy Network Demonstrator will:

  • Support more than 240 local businesses
  • Create up to 440 higher value jobs
  • Save around 4,000 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide each year
  • Generate £40m GVA from £16m investment (>2:1 ROI) (Increasing to £80m GVA by 2036 - >5:1 ROI)

More information

For more details about the Smart Energy Network Demonstrator, please visit the dedicated page on our Business section.