By Maria Connolly, Stuart Urquhart

The UK energy sector is undergoing huge transformation and disruption, with the way electricity is produced, distributed, sold and consumed changing rapidly. Global demand for energy is rising and in order to provide low carbon, affordable and secure supplies, the settled order needs to change to a flexible energy system.

New markets, new routes to market, new entrants to markets, technological innovation across the energy value chain and innovative new business models are emerging as the sector makes this transition. The conundrum facing markets, investors and governments alike is which models and combination of technologies will succeed and become the new norm. Which of these are able to meet rising demand, serve our smart homes and smart cities and deliver an acceptable return on investment at an affordable price for consumers?