KTP BENEFITS

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are designed to benefit everyone involved

Businesses will acquire new knowledge and expertise

KTP Associates will gain business-based experience and personal and professional development opportunities

Universities, colleges or research organisations will bring their experience to enhance the business relevance of their research and teaching

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Accelerating business innovation; a Technology Strategy Board programme

http://www.ktponline.org.uk

TV Energy is a ‘not-for-profit’ organisation, established in 2001 to promote and facilitate practical sustainable energy solutions and provide education for communities, businesses, organisations and individuals within the Thames Valley and beyond. Sponsors and supporters come from the public and private sector, and academic and voluntary organisations.

ABOUT THE PROJECT Originally, this KTP was initiated to assist TV Energy with the implementation of ‘Renaissance’ (Renewable ENergy Acting In SuStainable And Novel Community Enterprises), a project concerned with building energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies into plans for the redevelopment of Bracknell town centre. Unfortunately, shortly after the collaboration

The Company

“This initiative allowed the Company to thoroughly explore an exciting new area of activity that will be key to the mainstreaming of green energy projects in Europe, as well as forming a platform for the future expansion of organisations like TV Energy.” Dr Keith Richards, Managing Director, TV Energy

Developed useful business model for ESCos, which was identified as a key growth area

Established additional lines of work, utilising the new knowledge and capabilities gained

Potential to tender for more ESCo-related work, safeguarding future position

TV Energy recognised as premier provider of knowledge and consultancy support on ESCo

solutions to private and public sector organisations in the South East

Academic Partner further developed their knowledge and applied for patent for product measurement system

Associate gained experience of the commercial applications of sustainable energy, and enhanced his business skills

ABOUT THIS CASE STUDYThe Thames Valley Energy Agency (TV Energy) works to promote and facilitate practical sustainable energy solutions. Working with the University of Reading’s School of Business, Management, this Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) was initiated to develop business models and energy service company (ESCo) structures for hybrid renewable energy projects.

ABOUT THE SPONSORThe European Social Fund (ESF) supports national employment and skills priorities, in line with EU regulations by helping unemployed and inactive people enter work, promoting lifelong learning, skills development and gender equality.

THE THAMES VALLEY ENERGY AGENCYBuiLdiNG A SuSTAiNABLE FuTuRE THRouGH KTP

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Harvesting Short Rotation Coppice, the leading energy crop in the Thames Valley, to supply green power to local projects

FAST FACTS

The Associate

“The energy sector is changing. It’s not about fuels or electricity but end use – light, heat etc – and using resources more effectively. Working in the new energy services field with an SME and university partner has been challenging, enjoyable and educational.”

Andrew Lamb, KTP Associate

Andrew Lamb was recruited as the KTP Associate, working closely with TV Energy and the University of Reading to meet the project objectives.

BENEFITS Despite the changing objectives, the project offered Andrew the chance to enhance his business, project management, technical and communication skills. He gained valuable experience of the commercial applications of sustainable energy, and through secondment to a unique bio-energy ESCo, was able to learn about the operational aspects of ESCos, as well as strategic issues of practical management. Producing a report on ESCo experience in the UK provided him with the opportunity to undertake further research and supported his MBA thesis. Overall, the work has provided him with a solid foundation on which to build a successful career in this area.

RESULTS Significantly increased knowledge of ESCos,

their operation and commercial application Gained MBA Presented paper on ‘ESCos in the UK’ to the

International Energy Agency Conference 2006

The Academic Partner

“The project provided valuable knowledge of the real risk / reward equations that public and private

partners actually have in their minds when considering the uncertainties involved in new green initiatives.”

Dr Simon Booth, Senior Lecturer, Management Department, University of Reading

Dr Simon Booth, Senior Lecturer in the Management Department within the School of Business at the University of Reading, led a team of academics to deliver this KTP.

BENEFITS Working with TV Energy has enabled staff to develop their knowledge and understanding of an interesting new area, which with the right economic and regulatory framework, has the potential to play an important role in the development of renewable energy solutions for Europe. This knowledge has been fed into curricula development and useful case study material has been created, ensuring students remain uptodate with current developments.

New research initiatives arising from the KTP will involve staff in a Europe-wide research project on ESCos, with the potential to develop partnerships with European universities and research organisations that will benefit future research programmes.

RESULTS Enhanced knowledge of ESCos Two research papers published and two papers delivered at

international conferences Close working relationship established with TV Energy

began, it became apparent that this project would not proceed. The objective for the KTP was therefore redefined, and work continued to develop a business model for ESCos to enable the further development of TV Energy.

BENEFITS Significant benefits have accrued from the revised KTP, effectively developing ESCos as a new business area for TV Energy.

ESCos have become commonplace as delivery agents for locally produced energy in much of Europe, and TV Energy have identified them as an area of increasing importance to its customer

base. The collaboration developed a comprehensive ESCo business model, identifying three approaches to work in this area: individual or communal ESCos, city-wide ESCos and regional entities. TV Energy is already working to fulfil contracts for the former two approaches, and has made a presentation to South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) about the third.

Through knowledge transfer, the Agency has gained a greater understanding of the operational issues, possibilities and difficulties of establishing and running an ESCo, enabling it to avoid many pitfalls and capitalise on the latest

operational knowledge and technology. These enhanced capabilities will allow TV Energy to compete in new areas of work, as consultants and partners in ESCo development. They have already proved instrumental in helping it to secure a major contract to coordinate a European Commission project on energy service companies.

RESULTS Comprehensive business model for

ESCos developed, identifying three key approaches for work in this area

Enhanced knowledge of ESCos, providing the Agency with a competitive advantage over other organisations in the market