UK companies play key role in major energy networks project

The Project’s July Advisory Group welcomed techUK for the first time, ensuring that the voice of some of the UK’s leading energy technology companies will play an important role in shaping the role energy networks will play in the future. TechUK represents more than 950 technology companies, ranging from leading FTSE 100 companies to new innovative start-ups.

Matthew Evans, Head of techUK’s IoT and smart infrastructure programmes commented: “We are delighted to be joining the Advisory Group. Our members are delivering the technology that will be a key enabler for the transition to smarter grids and the evolution of traditional network operators to more active distribution system operators. Understanding how changes to our networks impact the ability of new technologies and services to integrate is crucial, as we witness a rapid shift towards distributed energy and smarter consumer markets.”

The Open Networks Advisory Group meets every two months includes representatives from the energy trade associations, including EnergyUK, RenewableUK, Renewable Energy Association and the Association for Decentralised Energy, as well as representatives from Imperial College, Citizen’s Advice, community energy projects and independent Distribution Network Operators.

Evans added: “Not having the right systems in place can act as a barrier, leaving networks unable to keep pace with the speed of change elsewhere in the industry. We look forward to playing an active role in ensuring that this isn’t the case and helping to deliver the smart, more flexible system that we need.”

Open Networks Project Manager and ENA Head of Innovation Randolph Brazier said: “Formally establishing an Advisory Group and ensuring that it feeds back and informs each of the Open Networks workstreams has been a key priority for this project. By engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, the Project ensures a holistic, whole energy system approach is taken when tackling issues. We’re delighted to have TechUK on-board and look forward to the valuable contribution they will make to lay the foundations of the smart grid in the UK.”

The July Advisory Group meeting will look at a number of important proposals that have been produced by the Project’s four workstreams. These include:

• ’Statement of Works’ proposals that will provide generators, storage operators and other companies greater visibility on network costs and make it easier and quicker to connect to the network by avoiding the need for costly reinforcements. This builds on the recent launch by ENA members UK Power Networks and National Grid of a new active network management scheme to boost grid capacity in the South East of England and simplify the connections process for generators.
• Mapping current and future customers’ involvement in the networks to understand and to improve their experience of that involvement. The Advisory Group will discuss how customers connect to the network and the key issues which can arise in the process. These maps, or ‘guides’, will provide customers with all the information they need about the process of getting connected to the network.
• What the functional requirements will be for electricity networks to operate and manage a smart grid locally, including what technologies and services they will need to do so. One example of this is the Scottish & Southern Electricity Network NINES Project, which has recently created a technically functional smart grid in the Shetland Isles and is using the role of renewables, storage and demand management to reduce the cost of generation and maintain a reliable supply.

Other topics discussed included Investment Planning Gaps and charging recommendations.

The Advisory Group meetings consist of interactive workshops and act as a means by which the Open Networks Project can receive guidance and input to the direction it is taking, as well as for specific products. The feedback from these sessions will be incorporated into the final products, which will be published on ENA’s website.