Distributed Restart is viable, says new National Grid ESO report

A ground-breaking project considering whether distributed energy resources (DER) such as wind, hydro and solar power can restart the restoration of electricity supplies is technically viable, according to a new report.

The Distributed ReStart project (formerly known as Black Start for DER) was launched by National Grid Electricity System Operator in partnership with Scottish Power Energy Networks and TNEI in January 2019.

Funded by the Network Innovation Competition, the project will recommend technical, organisational and commercial solutions to create market access for distributed energy resources (DERs).

This will in turn increase participation and competition in the market and deliver reductions in both cost and carbon emissions.

The new report gives a thorough analysis of the existing technical capability of DER and distribution networks and has shown that, while there are many challenges to overcome, potential solutions exist such that providing Black Start services from DER is potentially technically viable on a GB-wide basis.

To read the Power engineering and Trials report click here.