It has partnered with demand side response (DSR) company Open Energi to use its so-called ‘Dynamic Demand’ technology which allows consumers to change how and when they use electricity to free up capacity for the grid.

This avoids the need for National Grid to rely on additional power plants that would normally be used during peak times.

Open Energi is installing Dynamic Demand on more than 200 bitumen tanks at Tarmac’s 70 asphalt plants across the UK.

The technology automatically adjusts power usage of the tanks to help manage fluctuations in electricity supply and demand.

Ged Holmes, Commercial Director at Open Energi said: “DSR is playing an important role in building a smarter, more sustainable electricity network. The collaboration with Tarmac is a significant milestone for Open Energi, supporting National Grid to balance supply and demand on the grid.”

Martyn Kenny, Sustainability Director at Tarmac added: “Our construction solutions are used across the UK to create the infrastructure around us. As such, we recognise the importance of contributing to its overall sustainability by ensuring we optimise the whole life performance and by growing and managing our business in a sustainable way. DSR technology helps us do just that. By managing our energy demand more smartly we are supporting the delivery of the UK’s carbon reduction targets.”

National Grid has identified DSR as a vital solution to manage fluctuations in supply and demand and previously announced plans to invest up to £400 million a year by 2020.

Ngoc Diep (The Energy Live News)