FutureNet is a consortium of universities researching Future Network Technologies able to support a sustainable energy policy for the UK.
A sustainable low carbon pattern of energy use requires:

• renewable sources of energy
• efficient means of harvesting that energy
• efficient and secure means of transmission and distribution
• efficient end use and
• a regulatory and market framework that encourages the sought-after behaviour of businesses and people.

FutureNet concentrates on one specific aspect: an electrical power network that supports and encourages renewable energy sources while providing the standards of service that customers expect.

Our challenge has been two fold:

• to devise and construct an electrical system able to cope with the future and to do so at a cost that does not jeopardise the overall objectives and
• to devise a form of regulation and market that encourages customers, wholesalers, generators and system operators to behave in a way that promotes sustainable energy use

The work of FutureNet is now complete and details of the achievements and publications are available by following the side links. FlexNet continues the research agenda focusing on developing and showcasing flexible networks for a further four years commencing in October 2007.