SP Energy Networks leads trial to restart electricity network entirely from renewables
UK, Galloway: SP Energy Networks has led a successful trial to re-energise its electricity network by using pioneering technology.
Image source: SP Energy Networks
UK, Galloway: SP Energy Networks has led a successful trial to re-energise its electricity network by using pioneering technology.
The energy network provider conducted the trial in Galloway, as part of the second phase of a world-leading project, to show how the range of smaller energy sources could be used to restore power in the highly unlikely event of a total or partial shutdown of the national electricity transmission system.
Traditionally, wide scale system recovery in such a scenario has only been possible by utilising large fossil fuel power stations.
However, the Ofgem-funded Distributed ReStart project – which is a partnership between SP Energy Networks, National Grid ESO and specialist energy consultancy TNEI – is exploring the use of Distributed Energy Sources (DERs) such as solar, wind or hydro, to kickstart the energy system.
This latest trial saw SP Energy Networks connect a hydro generator at Kendoon and power wind turbines across two small wind farms at Glenchamber and North Rhins to re-energise the network in an isolated test.
The ground-breaking trial paves the way for a radically different approach to system restoration, using renewables to help to reduce costs and drive the country forward towards net zero emissions targets.
“The increasingly complex needs of our energy system, coupled with the significant increase in both demand for green electricity and generation our networks need to accommodate, means it is crucial we ensure its continued security and resilience. We are really encouraged by the success of this latest trial on the Distributed ReStart project, which could be vitally important, not just in Scotland and the UK, but worldwide,” said Scott Mathieson, Network Planning and Regulation Director at SP Energy Networks, adding, “Using DERs and green energy to restore the energy system would increase the diversity of providers, helping to save millions of pounds in costs for customers thanks to a more competitive market. It can also save hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions by negating the need for coal and gas power stations, therefore pushing us forward on decarbonisation plans as we strive to reach net zero emissions.”
SP Energy Networks leads the live network trial workstream on the Distributed ReStart project and delivered this test in collaboration with National Grid ESO. Coordination was therefore not only required between the National Grid ESO and SP Energy Networks control rooms, but also in the coordination of multiple operational resources and people in preparation for and during the live testing.
Source: SP Energy Networks