Cost is still a major limiting factor for low-carbon energy. The Energy Pilots research program challenges the conventional energy business model in an effort to make low-carbon energy technologies cost-competitive.

The Energy Pilots program develops hypothetical business models by borrowing proven techniques from other sectors, and adapting them to fit the financial difficulties of specific low-carbon technologies. Representative devices are demonstrated in public spaces to discuss the viability and social implications of these theoretical strategies.

This ongoing research has been presented at the Sparks Energy Symposium and at the Responsible Business Conference in 2011, catalysing a discussion around the future of energy business and the associated implications. The project was also featured in the June 2011 issue of AXIS magazine.