Smart technologies will cut energy bills and boost employment in the renewable energy sector as demand for electricity intensifies and fossil fuels are phased out in the UK, new plans laid out by the Government promise.

Published by the Government and Ofgem, the smart systems and flexibility plan and energy digitalisation strategy could reduce the costs of managing the energy sector by £10 billion a year by 2050.

The plan also hopes to create up to 10,000 jobs for system installers, electricians, data scientists and engineers while a further 14,000 jobs could be created by the export potential of new technologies.

Smart technologies already in development in the UK include heat network projects, new battery technologies and energy generation forecasts to deliver low-cost, low-carbon energy.

Energy and Climate Change Minister, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, said:

"We need to ensure our energy system can cope with the demands of the future. Smart technologies will help us to tackle climate change while making sure that the lights stay on and bills stay low."

The Government, Ofgem and Innovate UK are also publishing the UK's first energy digitalisation strategy, examining how energy system data is used so the full potential of cutting-edge technologies can be realised.

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