Derek Boyd, interim director at the 5G Centre

RESEARCHERS are using 5G communications technology to create a simulator system aimed at inspiring businesses and residents to get involved ...

Facebook
X
LinkedIn

RESEARCHERS are using 5G communications technology to create a simulator system aimed at inspiring businesses and residents to get involved in the development of new energy systems in Orkney.

The “digital twinning” project will involve the creation of a virtual three-dimensional model of the islands, featuring components such as electric vehicles, domestic batteries and generators and turbines in use there.

A “virtual dashboard” will also show some of the energy network’s main features and model a live 5G data connection to key assets.

The project is being led by Heriot-Watt University’s Grid facility and supported by the Scotland 5G Centre.

Heriot-Watt chief entrepreneurial executive David Richardson said: “Our digital twinning system will demonstrate how Orkney’s new energy network will operate, what the different component parts are, how people can interact with it and collaborate to create a genuinely democratised energy system.

“It will be an engagement tool that helps people understand how they can get involved in helping the island maximise renewable energy and, ultimately, achieve a carbon-neutral future.”

Derek Boyd, interim director at the Glasgow-based Scotland 5G Centre, added: “5G will be an integral part of enabling the smart energy systems of the future, delivering the ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity that is required to manage these networks.

“We are working with organisations across Scotland to demonstrate its transformative potential.”

Related stories from SBN

Edinburgh Boiler Company targets £10 million turnover after record growth
Centrica sells major stake in Cygnus gas field to Ithaca Energy for £215 million
Northern Turbine Services secures £300K funding to establish permanent Orkney HQ
Wood Group pushes back Sidara takeover deadline as high-stakes talks continue
Wind farm investment opportunity at Bank and Afton, Ayrshire
Unions and Green Groups demand £1.9 billion emergency funding for North Sea workers

Other stories from SBN