Work Package 5 focuses on creating an advanced “Industrial Cluster Digital Twin”—a digital representation of large industrial zones (for further details on current major UK industrial clusters, see https://idric.org/stakeholders/). These zones often have complex energy systems, where multiple energy sources such as electricity, hydrogen, and heat are used. The goal of this digital twin is to model and optimize the energy flows within and between industrial sites, improving energy efficiency, reducing costs, and supporting the UK’s transition to net-zero carbon emissions.
In the first phase of this project, the digital twin will focus on a specific industrial cluster, such as the HyNet (North West) (https://hynet.co.uk/). By simulating how energy is consumed, stored, and generated across an industrial cluster, we can identify ways to make energy use more flexible and sustainable. This is especially important as industries look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and integrate cleaner energy sources like renewable electricity and hydrogen.
As the project progresses, the digital twin will be expanded to cover larger and more complex industrial clusters, capturing a wider range of energy interactions. This will include assessing how industries can store energy or switch between different energy sources to balance supply and demand, especially during peak periods or when renewable energy is abundant.
The Industrial Cluster Digital Twin will not only help industries manage their energy use more efficiently, but it will also provide a powerful tool for long-term planning. By simulating different future energy scenarios (FES), industries can explore how changes in energy availability, technology, or regulations might impact their operations. This will make it easier for industrial clusters and energy operators to make informed decisions about how to meet future energy needs while minimizing costs and carbon emissions
This innovative approach will allow industries to play a more active role in the energy transition, contributing to a smarter, more flexible, and resilient energy system. Ultimately, the insights gained from this digital twin will support real-time decision-making and help pave the way for more sustainable industrial operations across the UK.
