The demonstrator will be used to engage members of the public on Orkney and support their understanding of what can be achieved through new energy networks and the digital control enabled by 5G.

The project, led by Heriot-Watt University’s ground-breaking GRID facility and supported by the Scotland 5G Centre,  will develop a demonstrator that will create a virtual 3D environment that models Orkney and the different components in its energy system – from electric vehicles and domestic batteries, to generators and turbines.

The immersive simulator system will also build a virtual dashboard, which outlines some of the energy network’s key features, and model a live 5G data connection to key assets on the island.

The researchers said they hoped the project inspire people and businesses on the island group off the north of Scotland to participate in the delivery of its new energy network.

David Richardson, chief entrepreneurial executive at Heriot-Watt University, said the digital twin would demonstrate how Orkney’s new energy network will operate, what the different component parts are, how people can interact with it and collaborate to create a genuinely democratised energy system.

He added: “It will be an engagement tool that helps people understand how they can get involved in helping the island maximise renewable energy and, ultimately, achieve a carbon neutral future.

“The system will show people what can be taken from the virtual world and made into a physical reality, helping communities to flourish with the use of renewable technology.”

The project– expected to last an initial three months – builds on the 5G RuralFirst initiative already undertaken on Orkney and provides a foundation for the further use of 5G technologies on the island.

The University’s Deputy Principal Enterprise and Business, Dr Gillian Murray, said the project marks an important milestone in the University’s deployment of this technology.  She said: “This is a fantastic development which demonstrates our capacity to create unique digital twin assets at Heriot Watt that can both underpin research and innovation in teaching. The GRID team have built this capability in such a short time and have a number of other digital twin/simulation projects in development which are supporting academics across the University ranging from social sciences to engineering and physical sciences.”

One of The Scotland 5G Centre’s flagship projects, Scotland 5G Rural Testbed - led by the University of Strathclyde and Cisco - is providing a 5G testbed on Orkney for a series of trials around usage.

Gordon Ross, Innovation Strategist at Heriot-Watt University, added: “There are ambitious projects already underway in Orkney to create a state-of-the-art distributed energy system, helping to secure an affordable, reliable and sustainable energy supply for the future.

The future of energy is going to be defined by smart, distributed networks and micro-grids. For that to work to its maximum potential we need everyone to understand how it works and how they can get involved in making Orkney a ‘smart energy island’.

“The island is the ideal testing ground for principles that could be applied on a larger scale elsewhere.”

Minister for energy, connectivity and the islands, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, said: “Given Scotland’s expertise in renewable energy, 5G technology will be integral to the creation of smart energy systems, and this exciting project demonstrates how 5G technology can support our island communities on the journey towards a carbon neutral future.”

The Orkney Islands currently have a limited connection to the Scottish mainland and produce more electricity than is consumed locally, with wind farm generation often constrained as a result.

Plan for a larger interconnector have faced hurdles gaining regulatory approval.