The University of Southampton said that its Tony Davies High Voltage Laboratory will commence its £4.7m HubNet project this week.
HubNet aims to develop the research agenda that will overcome the problems of improving efficiency and maintaining the reliability of the UK energy supply.
The project is funded by the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council).
The creation of the Hub will focus on the research on energy networks in the UK and it will also spur the development of solutions by sponsoring speculative research in new areas.
The project also includes the design of smart grids, in particular the application of communication technologies to the operation of electricity systems and the harnessing of the demand-side for the control and optimization of the power system.
In addition, it consists of the development of a mega-grid that will link the UK’s energy network to renewable energy sources situated off shore, across Europe and beyond.
The Tony Davies HV Lab has also received funding from the National HE Stem Program to develop resources for graduate skills development within the energy industry.