Description
We are collaborating with UK Power Networks through a regional development programme for the South East Coast area of England. The aim of the programme is to maximise the opportunities for further efficient deployment of distributed resources and reduce overall system costs for energy consumers. The South East Coast area was the clear choice for this study, as it is one of the most complex network areas in Europe. It has several interconnections to continental Europe, either currently in service or due to be commissioned, a nuclear power station, and a significant volume of renewable and traditional energy resources connected to the distribution network.
The Regional Development Programme looks across the whole-system landscape to identify key areas of development to unlock additional network capacity, reduce constraints and open up new revenue streams for market participants. This project will significantly enhance transmission and distribution systems coordination and control, creating whole system efficiencies and providing new tools and resources to manage system constraints – ultimately reducing costs for customers. The Programme fosters innovation in a ‘design by doing’ environment that supports the effective management of the electricity network on a ‘whole-system’ basis. At the same time, it supports the development of DSO capabilities.
Papers
UKPN RDP South East Coast Technical Report
This report summarises how detailed joint transmission and distribution network analysis showed benefits in understanding network security issues under conditions not previously experienced, and enabled the investigation of a range of build and operational solutions to show under what conditions whole-system solutions could benefit both consumers and DER project developers.
Download the UKPN RDP South East Coast Technical Report
Connecting to UK Power Network's South East Coast network - information for distributed energy resources
In our role as Electricity System Operator, we are collaborating with UK Power Networks to trial new ways of working to solve network issues on a whole system basis. Together, we have developed an approach that unlocks further capacity for the connection of distributed energy resources in the South East coast region of England.
This factsheet sets out what developers of distributed energy resources need to know about constraint management arrangements that will facilitate additional capacity to connect within the Southeast Coast distribution network from June 2017 (covering Bolney, Ninfield, Sellindge and Canterbury Grid Supply Points).
Download the factsheet
Regional Development Programme - Executive Summary
The Regional Development Programme looks across the whole-system landscape to identify key areas of development to unlock additional network capacity, reduce constraints and open up new revenue streams for market participants. This project will significantly enhance transmission and distribution systems coordination and control, creating whole system efficiencies and providing new tools and resources to manage system constraints – ultimately reducing costs for customers.
UKPN and National Grid are collaborating through the Regional Development Programme for the South East Coast area, more information can be found in this Executive Summary.
Download the Executive Summary