Electricity and Control June 2021

TRANSFORMERS, SUBSTATIONS + CABLES

Streamlining renewables into the grid National Grid ElectricityTransmission (NGET) in the UK recently announced the installation of Smart Wires’ modular power flow technology, SmartValve™, on five circuits at three of its substation sites in the north of England.This makes 500 MW of new network capacity available in each region: a total of 1.5 GW of extra capacity. It marks the world’s first large-scale use of power flow technology.

T his will allow for greater volumes of renewable power to be transferred efficiently to customers, it will help to decarbonise the UK electricity grid, and is a key step in the transition to more intelligent, digital and controllable grids. With this installation, NGET is leading the UK elec- tricity sector and reinforcing its position as a global pioneer. As more renewable generation comes onto the network, depending on the weather, power flows change and circuits become unequally loaded, so some circuits reach maximum capacity while others are still well below their limits. The sites, at Harker in Carlisle, Penwortham in Preston and Saltholme in Stockton-on-Tees near Middlesbrough, were identified as needing a solution to solve bottlenecks of renewable power. The state-of-the-art technology from California, USA-headquartered Smart Wires, intelligently and instantly routes power through the circuits which have available capacity, maximising use of the existing network. Installing modular power flow controllers at these sites allows NGET to provide National Grid’s Electricity System Operator with the tools to reduce the congestion that limits renewable generation, quickly, with minimal impact on communities and the environment. It is part of NGET’s commitment to deliver clean and affordable energy for its customers. Following these initial installations at the three sites, National Grid is looking to extend the capability at Harker and Penwortham in the (UK) autumn. This could mean

The use of power flow technology allows for greater volumes of renewable power to be transferred efficiently to customers. freeing up an additional 500 MW of capacity, enough to power more than 300 000 homes David Wright, Chief Engineer for National Grid said: “Harnessing the potential of innovative technologies to enhance benefits for customers and consumers is at the heart of what we do. I’m proud to see NGET leading the way, pioneering transformational and innovative engineering to achieve wide-scale decarbonisation and overcome bottlenecks that are preventing maximum use of our networks. The use of Smart Wires’ intelligent technology on National Grid’s transmission network, will be key to unlocking extra capacity safely and quickly.” Julian Leslie, Head of Networks at National Grid Electricity System Operator said: “Managing constraints on the transmission network is an important part of our work. Developments like this, and the steps outlined in our 5-point congestion management plan, will reduce the impact of constraints and allow us to harness the full potential of renewable generation and lower costs for the end consumer. This all supports our aim to operate the system at zero carbon by 2025.” Peter Wells, Smart Wires CEO said: “NGET has shown unparalleled global leadership in embracing this modular power flow technology to enable rapid, affordable decarbonisation. With these projects, NGET has pioneered a new way to think about planning and operating the grid – leveraging flexible investments to deliver gigawatts of impact in short timeframes.

This pioneering installation of power flow technology on five circuits at three NGET substation sites, makes 1.5 GW of extra network capacity available.

24 Electricity + Control JUNE 2021