Rationale: As the energy transition accelerates, integrating solar PV with battery storage and other renewables (e.g., wind, hydrogen) is crucial for grid reliability, cost efficiency, and round-the-clock clean power. Nepcoe’s existing focus on solar and storage assets makes this a natural and strategic area for deepening expertise.

Focus Areas:

● Design and optimisation of solar + storage + grid systems
● Control algorithms and smart inverter technologies
● Operational performance modelling and cost-benefit analysis

Rationale: Storage is the cornerstone of a resilient, renewable-based energy system. Investing in applied research on next-gen battery technologies and deployment models will enable Nepcoe to lead in long-duration storage and flexible capacity services.
Focus Areas:
● Evaluation of battery chemistries (e.g. lithium iron phosphate, flow batteries)
● Lifecycle economics and recycling strategies
● Storage-as-a-service and grid ancillary markets

Rationale: Digitisation unlocks significant operational, financial, and environmental efficiencies. By advancing AI-powered asset optimisation and predictive analytics, Nepcoe can maximise the performance and value of its energy portfolio.
Focus Areas:
● AI for energy forecasting and market bidding

● Digital twins for real-time asset monitoring
● Predictive maintenance for solar and battery systems

Rationale: As grid systems become increasingly decentralised and complex, understanding and influencing how distributed energy resources (DERs) interact with grid operators and flexibility markets will position Nepcoe as a thought leader and innovator.
Focus Areas:
● Grid interconnection standards and smart grid interfaces
● Participation in capacity and flexibility markets
● Grid-forming inverters and stability solutions

Rationale: While early-stage, green hydrogen is gaining traction for decarbonising industry, transport, and seasonal storage. Nepcoe can play a key role in pilot projects and research linking hydrogen production with solar and storage assets.
Focus Areas:
● Feasibility of co-located electrolysis
● Solar-to-hydrogen efficiency and economics
● Infrastructure requirements and off-take use cases

Rationale: Investment mobilisation, ESG compliance, and policy engagement are integral to delivering energy projects at scale. Researching finance models and policy levers ensures Nepcoe remains agile, investor-friendly, and regulator-aligned.
Focus Areas:

● Structuring green bonds and blended finance
● EU/UK energy regulation, taxonomy, and market design
● Just transition and community energy frameworks