In partnership with next-generation consulting firm Sia Partners, we’ve implemented cutting-edge new forecasting software that delivers accurate predictions of both demand and generation. This results in increased awareness, reliability and maximises capacity on the Distribution Network.
In implementing this new technology, we are collaborating on developing innovative practises in real-time management of the network, which in turn could benefit network operators across the country. The insight the solution provides allows network operators to make informed decisions around the generation of green energy so that no excess power goes to waste.
This new approach we’ve embarked on combines historical network data, detailed weather data and artificial intelligence to predict the energy flowing on the electricity distribution network. This provides a greater understanding of where, when, and how much power is needed to match consumer demand, as well as how embedded generators contribute to this equation – in turn enabling targeted investment and crucially, allowing us to get more out of existing assets.
The newly implemented forecasting platform has also been instrumental in validating our Emergency Plans and procedures during periods of reduced consumer demand, experienced recently for example where businesses were forced to shut down due to the COVID pandemic.
Grant McBeath, Control Room Manager at SP Energy Networks, said: “The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has caused sudden and dramatic changes to everyone’s way of life and as a business we are proactively taking steps to boost the economy and plan for the future.
““The software we’ve developed with Sia Partners has proven to be easily adaptable to not only deliver benefits for us now, but sets the foundations for our transition to a Distribution System Operator where we’ll be managing a complex and ever-evolving network not least of all due to the expected increase in low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps. These technologies will be a huge part of the green recovery in a post-COVID world and in driving our net zero ambitions, but will increase demand on the network. Sia Partners state of the art systems therefore allow our engineers to rely on artificial intelligence and data analytics to gain a better understanding of that impact and to then predict where investment should be made in advance.”
Sebastien Gerber, Energy and Data Science expert at Sia Partners UK, said: "With the rise of renewable energy sources and low carbon technologies, the management of the whole electricity system has become more and more challenging. Moreover, while carbon emissions have dropped significantly over lockdown, the way we have and will consume electricity is changing. Now more than ever, there is a clear need for Distribution Network Operators to have greater visibility on their network and work hand in hand with the System Operator to ensure net zero ambitions are met, while delivering outstanding outcomes for all customers. Our collaborative work gives SP Energy Networks the capabilities to make the most out of existing assets and better apprehend future investments along the journey to DSO activities."
Ben Young, Operational Manager at National Grid Electricity System Operator said: “During the fast-evolving Covid-19 situation, NGESO has been working with the whole electricity industry to understand and manage the impact of low demand on the GB electricity system. Sharing of data with all DNOs, including demand and embedded generation forecasts, has been vital to the continued secure operation of GB electricity system. Forecasting tools, like this one developed by SPEN, support industry-wide coordination, as we all journey towards a decarbonised and decentralised future.”