UK utility Scottish and Southern Energy has received approval and funding from energy regulator Ofgem for its £64m low carbon network projects in the Thames Valley and Shetland. The projectsare intended to revolutionise the electricity distribution system, and help to preparethe energy industry for the move towards a low carbon economy.
The New Thames Valley Vision (NTVV) is a £30m project in Bracknell (in southern England) which aims to prepare the local low voltage network for the changes that lie ahead
as more people adopt new technologies for generating electricity.
The move towards a low carbon economy means that more demands will be made on the electricity network as electricity generated from renewables starts to impact the system and replace other forms of power. In particular, electricity flowing from solar panels, along with the charging of electric vehicles changing the times at which energy is needed, means that SSEPD has to invest in the network to make sure it is secure.
Network operators need to know more about electricity flows on the network in order to manage it effectively. NTVV will apply ‘smart analytics’ to the information it gathers to help develop models which will allow distribution assets to be used more appropriately and therfore more effectively. The project will involve a new network and planning environment, automated demand side management for businesses, low voltagestatic voltage control, street level energy storage and a range ofcommunications solutions. It will also deliver new commercial agreements,procedures and policies and will inform national standards.
The second project, the Northern Isles New Energy Solutions (NINES) is a £34M project, intended to address some of the most pressing energy challenges Shetland currently faces by allowing small scale renewable generation to play a moresignificant role in meeting the islands’ energy needs.
Ofgem’s acting senior partner for Smarter Grids, Governance and Distribution Rachel Fletcher said: “Britain’s energy grids need to undergo a revolution in how they are run so they can connect more renewable generators and a range of low carbon technologies. There is a significant opportunity for companies to contain the cost of this transition by making better use of existing capacity and exploring the scope to use demand side response.
She added: “Lessons learnt from the projects will be shared with all network companies and other interested parties. The aim here is to ensure the networks do not hold up the decarbonisation of our energy use, and that the cost of the transition is kept as low as possible for customers.”
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