Resillion paves way for UK smart energy future with real-world trials

Resillion, a quality assurance firm based in Birmingham, in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde’s PNDC, ScottishPower Energy Retail Ltd, and QualityLogic Inc, has launched trials for interoperable demand side response (DSR) and energy smart appliances (ESA). These UK-first demonstrations aim to assist households and businesses in managing electricity use more effectively, bringing the country closer to its Net Zero objectives.

The trials extend beyond individual device testing, focusing instead on demonstrating interoperability across various devices and applications within an ecosystem. Testing in real-world conditions, the project intends to show how these technologies can work together to optimise energy use, stabilise the grid, and improve demand management.

Funded by the UK Government’s £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, this project contributes towards accelerating the commercialisation of low-carbon technologies and is a key development towards achieving the UK Government’s Net Zero target by 2050. Phase 3 of the Interoperable Demand Side Response (IDSR) programme began in August 2024, involving a variety of internationally sourced smart devices compliant with PAS1878 and PAS1879 standards. The trials aim to demonstrate the devices’ integration potential and capacity to support grid stability through advanced energy management.

As part of the initiative, Resillion aims to prove that demand side response systems are prepared to meet the rising challenges of modern energy grids.

Bill Chard, Resillion’s Energy Business Manager, commented: “Demand Side Response, and Energy Smart Appliances, will be an important part of managing growing overall energy demand as the electrification of heat and transport grows over the coming years. Additionally, these technologies will enable consumers to better manage their energy usage and reduce costs. Our DSR demonstration lab is an important step in proving the interoperability between products from a range of manufacturers, within an ecosystem based on a new technology standard. The project will provide data that will indicate how real world deployments will perform, and will inform the ongoing development of technology and policy in the energy sector.”

The consortium features four collaborating organisations, each offering distinct contributions. Resillion is leading the project, directing the demonstration schemes and ensuring outcomes meet stakeholder expectations. The University of Strathclyde’s PNDC, an innovation centre focused on whole energy systems, is hosting the trials at its Cumbernauld facility in Glasgow. ScottishPower is providing technical expertise and real-world energy context, while QualityLogic brings further expertise and has contributed to the project’s testing schemes.

Image source: Samsung devices used in the demonstrations (Resillion handout)