Our Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) Projects
- Discovery: The completion of feasibility studies to de-risk technical uncertainties associated with projects
- Alpha: Using the findings of the feasibility studies to develop proof-of-concept projects
- Beta: Developing full-scale demonstrator projects further up the technology readiness level (TRL) towards implementation.
Learn more about our SIF projects by clicking on the project titles below.
-
Funding Phase: SIF Beta Round 1
Project Timeline: July 2023 – December 2026
Strategy Themes: Whole energy systems
Project Partners: The National HVDC Centre, The Carbon Trust, National Grid ESO, The University of Edinburgh, SuperGrid Institute, Mott MacDonaldOffshore wind will play a leading role in the transition to net zero, with as much as 100GW required to deliver 2050 net zero targets. This will require the development of HVDC grids to connect and transport offshore wind from source, increasingly further offshore, to areas of demand.
To support the development of HVDC grids there is a need to demonstrate the capability of DC Circuit Breakers (DCCBs). Circuit breakers, which already exist on the onshore AC network, minimise the impact of faults, allowing power to keep flowing elsewhere on the network.
The Network DC project aims to advance the readiness of the technology for implementation on the GB system, to enable the development of offshore DC networks which cannot exist without DCCBs.
-
Funding Phase: SIF Beta Round 1
Project Timeline: July 2023 – October 2024
Strategy Themes: Whole energy systems
Project Partners: National Grid ESO, University of Strathclyde, The Carbon TrustWith the increasing capacity of offshore wind, innovation is required to facilitate the rapid roll-out of this intermittent generation to support grid balancing and address stability challenges. Without this, the GB grid will become weaker which will lead to issues in system operation including, increasing the likelihood of blackouts and maintaining reliance on fossil fuel generators.
Project Incentive will investigate new solutions to address this through demonstrating the use of innovative voltage, current and frequency control technologies coupled with energy storage at the point of onshore connection of offshore wind farms, to allow offshore wind farms to stabilise the onshore grid.
-
Funding Phase: SIF Alpha Round 2
Project Timeline: October 2023 – April 2024
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transition
Project Partners: The National HVDC Centre, University of Strathclyde, National Grid ESOINSIGHT addresses SIF Innovation Challenge 2 Theme 2 "Novel ways to reliably support low stability systems" by developing innovations in technology and standards that help the power system be ready for Net Zero by 2035. INSIGHT seeks to understand, classify, predict, and define actions to manage potential new forms of instability (e.g oscillations in voltage, power and/or frequency) on a system dominated by power electronic sources (such as wind generation, HVDC converters, STATCOMs etc). The overall aim is to create a virtual, real-time alert and control system that can highlight oscillatory instabilities on the network and then automatically inform control actions required to dampen/remove them.
INSIGHT will also recommend to industry new standards and codes to manage these emerging stability risks.
-
Funding Phase: SIF Discovery Round 2 | SIF Alpha Round 2
Project Timeline: April 2023 - July 2023 | October 2023 – April 2024
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transition
Project Partners: Icebreaker One, Olsights, MapStand, SGN, National Grid Electricity TransmissionREACT is an innovative tool that will provide the ability to visualise connection requests in real-time, outline the impact they have on the grid and provide the optimal location to site connections on the network.
This will help manage the large increase in connection requests expected on the network by allowing developers to review the impact of their request and identify alternative solutions, saving time and resources. This will prevent the network from becoming overloaded, as each connection will be placed strategically, in turn helping improve the system's ability to withstand shocks.
-
Funding Phase: SIF Discovery Round 1 | SIF Alpha Round 2
Project Timeline: March 2022 -May 2022 | October 2023 - April 2024
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partners: Palantir, Icebreaker One, IBM, SSEN DistributionThe limitations of current weather and climate (meteorological) data mean that it is impossible to predict, with any great degree of accuracy, the impact that weather events and climate change will have on the individual assets that make up our electricity networks across their lifetime.
NIMBUS will revolutionise the way detailed meteorological data and models are used in the design and decision-making of electricity assets, through innovative uses of the data and predictive modelling techniques.
-
Funding Phase: SIF Discovery Round 2
Project Timeline: Apr 2023 – Jul 2023
Strategy Themes: Whole energy systemsSECURE aims to strengthen the UK’s energy system and support efficient and timely installation of new high voltage direct current (HVDC) infrastructure to realise a Net Zero energy system.
Demand for HVDC connections is growing rapidly across Europe for grid reinforcements such as the Eastern HVDC links, interconnectors and offshore wind connections. Globally, the HVDC Cables Market size exceeded $10billion in 2021 and is anticipated to reach annual deployment of 18,000 km by 2030, with c1,300km for GB grid reinforcements.
The robustness, capability and capacity of the supply chain to support this HVDC infrastructure will be a critical factor in this growth. HVDC supply chains are a complex flow of materials and goods through a global network of suppliers and sub-suppliers. De-risking the HVDC cables supply chain will enable Transmission Owners (TOs) to successfully deliver new HVDC infrastructure whilst reducing delay and costs risks.
SECURE will utilise digital solutions that can provide TOs with greater visibility over the HVDC cable supply chain. This is expected to take the form of a Digital Supply Chain Hub (DSCH), giving real time visibility over the supply chain along with competing levels of demand. The DSCH will be developed using XLPE as a use case to bring rapid results in Alpha, extended to the full HVDC cable system in Beta and beyond that, applied to wider HVDC component parts & systems.
-
Funding Phase: SIF Discovery Round 3 | SIF Alpha Round 3
Project Timeline: March 2024 - June 2024 |October 2024 – April 2025
Strategy Themes: Whole system planning
Project Partners: University of Strathclyde, National Grid Electricity Transmission, National Grid ESO, Met Office, Gilytics, EnergyLineTo ensure transmission networks are maximising their current infrastructure for the transition to net zero, the REVISE project will be revisiting the calculation process for assigning overhead line ratings. This process currently uses historical environmental data captured in the 1980’s and does not take into consideration local/regional climate variations.
Improving industry understanding of line ratings, using up-to-date high-resolution weather data combined with the latest techniques for system modelling, will allow for improved targeted investment to ensure networks meet the demand for the connection of new renewables, securing a safer and greener future.
-
Funding Phase: SIF Discovery Round 3
Project Timeline: March 2024 - May 2024
Strategy Themes: Whole system planning
Project Partners: National Grid Electricity Transmission, National Grid ESO, The Carbon TrustThe BluePrint project is looking to develop innovative and collaborative solutions to overcome the uncertainties of connecting offshore wind farms to areas of the UK network that are constrained.
The project will build on National Grid ESO’s Network Holistic Design, aiming to better understand how the future network will be delivered and to accelerate connection times for bringing renewable energy onto the transmission network across the UK to reach net zero targets.
-
Funding Phase: SIF Discovery Round 3 | SIF Alpha Round 3
Project Timeline: March 2024 - June 2024 | October 2024 - April 2025
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transition
Project Partners: National Grid Electricity Transmission, UK Power Networks, National Physical Laboratory (NPL)The shift from fossil fuels to new sources of renewable power such as wind, solar, and battery storage presents challenges in ensuring network stability due to fluctuations in levels of generation. To secure a net-zero grid, network operators need to monitor system strength conditions to implement mitigation measures. At present, neither the requirements for system strength monitoring nor the possible hardware and digital solutions are well defined.
SYSMET is bringing together leading experts to create a pathway for implementing innovative tools that provide a comprehensive insight into system strength.
-
Funding Phase: SIF Discovery Round 4
Project Timeline: May 2025 - August 2025
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partners: Ross RoboticsSSEN-T previously delivered the NIA AIM High Project which introduced an autonomous robot within an inaccessible HVDC valve hall to perform monitoring tasks. Currently, data gathered from the robot and the related operational data is managed manually and is labour-intensive with no trend analysis or data management package available.
This SIF Discovery ODIN Project will investigate automated interpretation and diagnostics of data collected from continuous monitoring from robots operating in these halls. This will use modern analytic techniques including machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). The use of modern condition-monitoring techniques will allow us to improve on the system availability and manage outage periods more efficiently with informed asset management decisions. This will become important moving forward as we benchmark the current performance of the system before expected load increases. ODIN will prove a novel solution that can be adopted in existing and future asset designs reducing the need for unplanned maintenance and cost to customers.
-
Funding Phase: SIF Discovery Round 4
Project Timeline: June 2025 - September 2025
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partners: SP Energy Networks Transmission, National Grid Electricity Transmission, National Energy System Operator (NESO), Ove Arup & Partners, and Voltquant LimitedThe Winser report makes recommendations concerning faster delivery of new transmission infrastructure including standardisation and automation of route design for new transmission lines. This Project, in direct alignment with the Winser report, will examine the problems that need to be solved to address the recommendations concerning the process of route design and the automation of route design, accelerating the pace of network development to meet net zero goals. The Discovery Phase of this Project will identify and prioritise innovations for route design.
Our Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) Projects
Ofgem’s Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) is a set amount that each RIIO network licensee receives as part of their price control allowance. The NIA provides limited funding to RIIO network licensees to fund smaller technical, commercial, or operational projects directly related to the licensees’ network that have the potential to deliver financial benefits to the licensee and its customers.
Learn more about our NIA projects by clicking on the project titles below.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: July 2021 – March 2026
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transition
Project Partners: The National HVDC Centre, University of StrathclydeThe transition from traditional fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy is changing the characteristics of the transmission network. This is due to a reduction in very large spinning machines which can inject high levels of current onto the network during a fault. The protection & Control (P&C) systems are presently designed to monitor and react to a very large and sudden current event.
This project aims to simulate a future electrical network where fault current spike is marginal but prolonged. The objective is to evaluate how existing P&C products function and respond in such scenarios.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: January 2022 – November 2024
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transition
Project Partners: PLPC, Energyline, NorpowerSteel lattice towers are proposed for future wind farm connections above 300m however, they come with high costs, long lead times, and environmental impacts. Currently, wooden poles are not a suitable alternative due to capacity limitations and are not robust enough to withstand climatic conditions above 300m. In addition, creosote preservation is due to be removed from the market in 2029 at the latest, so this provides an alternative to using wood poles.
This project has researched and designed a new and innovative pole for our OHLs at altitudes above 300m using the new design as an alternative to steel lattice towers across our Transmission network. The new structures remain similar in design to current wooden OHLs to ensure there is a limited visual impact on the landscape.
The low-profile pole could save up to 50% in construction costs compared to the conventional steel lattice towers. The cost benefits at the end of the RIIO-T3 regulatory period are estimated to be £9.8 million for all identified lines (including a risk factor of 20%).
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: May 2022 – July 2023
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transition
Project Partners: Manitoba, National Grid, SP Energy Networks, National Grid ESOThis project is a continuation of NIA SHET 0032 TOTEM, to complete the development and associated validation of a full-scale model of the GB Transmission System in electromagnetic transient (EMT) PSCAD simulation software.
The GB power system is rapidly evolving as conventional synchronous generation is decommissioned and ever greater levels of renewable sources are connected leading to a much lower level of system inertia and lower short circuit levels. At the same time there are increasing numbers of HVDC links and Flexible AC Transmission systems (FACTs) devices being connected in close proximity in parts of the system. The potential for adverse control interactions between these devices is rising and needs careful consideration within the context of a potentially weaker GB system.
Conventional phasor-based RMS simulation tools have limitations in studying weak, low inertia systems due to the level of detail that is represented. A move to developing more detailed electromagnetic transient (EMT) based models which will address these concerns is proposed as a solution and is seen as a key way of de-risking the integration of the technologies described above.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: May 2022 – December 2025
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transition
Project Partner: Cardiff UniversityAs part of Network for Net Zero strategy, SSEN Transmission are migrating to alternative gases which have lower carbon footprint than sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) for Gas Insulated Systems (GIS) within the transmission network. However, there is industry wide knowledge gap in the key features related to condition monitoring of the alternative gases which may result in an inability to correctly manage future GIS that use the alternative gases.
This research will provide full understanding of the condition monitoring requirements of the alternative gases to allow engineers to identify an incipient failure and carry out repairs, mitigating potential lost revenue or regulatory fines.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: March 2022 - March 2024
Strategy Themes: Network improvements and system operability
Project Partner: WSPThis project will explore how more dynamic “probabilistic” modelling could be used by Transmission network planners to account for complex factors which could yield more efficient development and connection processes. This would allow the connection of more renewable generation and flexibility assets and seeks to enable more efficient operation of the electricity system. The main deliverable of this project is a prototype probabilistic planning toolkit and study process to apply to connection studies.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: August 2022 – February 2024
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partner: The Met OfficeThe current values of radial ice accretion defined in BS EN 50341-2-9:2017 are regarded as conservative with little basis in modern Meteorological science, especially as applied in the North of Scotland. Application of these values may lead to overdesign of overhead lines being designed and constructed to enable the energy system transition.
This project will develop a new ice accretion model and integrate it with existing global Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models with high granularity topological and orographical parameters. It will thereafter use this composite model with extreme value analysis techniques to derive new values for radial ice accretion, which reflect modern meteorological practice.
The new values will be compared with BS EN 50341-2-9:2017 to assess the potential benefits of adopting a new design practice.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: December 2022 – May 2025
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partners: National Grid, University of DundeeThe method for designing overhead line (OHL) foundations has not changed considerably since the 1920’s. Initial research work undertaken by the University of Dundee identified that the ‘frustum method’, which is adopted by most Transmission Operators in the UK and forms industry standards, is generally over-conservative and, in some cases, potentially underestimates foundation uplift capacity by up to 25%.
The project sets out to improve the current methodology for calculating the uplift capacity of steel lattice tower foundations. The project aims to gain a better understanding of the optimal edge profile and roughness of OHL design, as well as how to reduce the materials and space required for OHL foundations.
The removal or reduction of over-conservative design for OHL foundations would reduce the amount of construction materials required. The potential cost savings from the Foundation Uplift method were estimated to be at least £4.7 million (risk-adjusted) during the lifetime of the assets. Testing to date has shown extremely positive results with a 30° chamfered edge on the top edge of the foundation being optimal, increasing the overall capacity and reducing concrete volumes by nearly 20%, which results in significant cost savings and carbon reduction.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: February 2023 – April 2024
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partners: The Met OfficeTo understand the impact of corrosion on galvanised steel assets in the North of Scotland, SSEN Transmission utilise the Galvanisers Association corrosion map. This map provides the atmospheric corrosion rate of hot dip galvanizing on a 10km grid, which is applied to estimate the average life of assets. The science behind how the map has been developed is not fully referenced and is not understood to consider topography or industrial pollution. In addition, the 10km grid does not provide adequate resolution to make informed decisions on specific assets/asset locations. This lack of granularity results in overly conservative technical decision making.
The project will develop a new corrosion map which will be compared against the Galvanisers Association map to assess potential benefits of adopting new design and lifecycle practices.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: June 2023 - October 2024
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partner: Ross RoboticsHigh Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) valve halls are inaccessible to staff due to the hazardous environment. Monitoring of the equipment is currently performed using static cameras however these do not provide full visibility of equipment, particularly monitoring gauges and floor level machines. Because of these restrictions condition monitoring and maintenance is performed on a periodic timeframe (annually) and requires a shutdown of the system.
This project proposes to install an autonomous robot within the confined space of a HVDC valve hall to monitor equipment status and need for maintenance. This innovation would allow for any faults or need for maintenance to be identified without causing unplanned downtime of the system and allowing for engineers to perform condition-based maintenance.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: July 2023 – March 2026
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partners: VerescenceSevere pollution and harsh weather are one of the main issues for electric utilities causing flashovers and unplanned line outages. Currently, there is no pollution measurement information across the network.
This project will use insulator leakage current monitoring sensors to capture and share information remotely. This will help characterise the risk of equipment degradation due to pollution and assist with designing and maintaining Overhead Lines (OHLs) in pollution-high-risk areas of the network. With this, early design mitigation and maintenance procedures can be carried out to prevent faults due to flashovers.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: March 2024 - August 2025
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partner: i4am Asset ManagementCurrently, when operators are on site, they conduct inspections of components in our substations using thermal cameras. Operators use cameras to identify ‘points of interest’ using prior knowledge of substations to predict expected faults and capture images accordingly. There is no prescribed technique or structure to conducting inspections and the approach varies from each site. This leads to random, unstructured data collection with no data value and does not allow for repeatability.
The proposed solution is to develop a structured, easily repeatable approach to on-site data collection which builds upon present Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (ESQC) requirements and documentation. This would be established by building a visual aid routine (scripting) on the operative’s handheld device to be followed when undertaking site surveys.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: March 2024 - September 2025
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transition
Project Partner: Energyline, Norpower, PLPC, Allied InsulatorsThere is an increasing need to connect renewable developments with increasing electrical capacity and geographic density. Existing low-profile, overhead lines lack sufficient capacity to accommodate large individual or aggregated electrical capacity. The only current alternatives carry a stepwise increase in construction costs due to their complexity and need for engineered access during construction.
This project follows on from our NIA 132kV Low Profile Steel Poles project. The proposed 220kV low-profile designs will provide a lower-cost solution that will assist the energy system transition by reducing the costs of large or aggregated renewable energy connections.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: May 2024 – March 2025
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transition
Project Partner: Manitoba Hydro International (MHI)This project is focused on the continuing development of innovative tools and resources for power system modelling and analysis. Following TOTEM and TOTEM Extension there is a model that can mimic large-volume power electronics and enable the formulation of mitigation measures to future-proof the GB network associated with the energy transition. TOTEM 2 will incorporate additional capabilities.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: June 2024 - February 2025
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partners: Full Matrix LimitedThere is a need to utilise High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) conductors within our network as it increases the capacity of overhead line (OHL) conductors with no need for further reinforcement. Due to the composite nature of the core of HTLS conductors, traditional non-invasive inspection methods are not applicable and there is currently no method to inspect or monitor the condition of the conductor post installation.
The proposed solution is to use guided wave inspection, by means of a prototype device, which works through a single transmitter/receiver where an energy wave reflection is analysed to detect defects. The prototype device will be demonstrated and aims to provide a definitive answer as to whether the inspection methodology is applicable to HTLS conductors.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: June 2024 - March 2026
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partners: Xytecs LimitedOverhead line (OHL) foundation condition is difficult to assess without costly and disruptive excavation. Based on existing knowledge or previous data, non-intrusive techniques can be used and have been available for many years but are inadequately researched/developed for use in OHL foundations to base refurbishment and replacement decisions upon.
The proposed solution will carry out the development, testing, and trial of a new method with an aim to achieve a reliable non-intrusive foundation assessment.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: September 2024 - June 2025
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partners: N-SIDEPlanned outage management has become ever more challenging due to the increased volatility and complexity created by the massive integration of renewable energy sources on the electricity network and the reinforcement of the system to facilitate the transfer of increased generation volumes. This has generated additional manual work for outage planners, which, without process change, could become unmanageable.
The project aims to explore the use of decision support algorithms to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of planned outage management processes.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: December 2024 - October 2025
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partners: Energyline LimitedThe ability to disconnect a teed circuit is currently limited to a ground-mounted solution, e.g. Switching Station. For what is a limited functionality, becomes expensive and time-consuming, and it can be challenging to gain consent to construct a building in a remote position.
The proposed solution is to explore the feasibility of an overhead line (OHL) switching solution that can be applied to teed circuits to support the ambitions of SSEN-T to provide quick, efficient connections to deliver earlier and better manage key resources and supply chain.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: December 2024 - August 2025
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transition
Project Partner: The National HVDC CentreHVDC interoperability is the capability of one manufacturer’s HVDC System (controls and main circuit) to work seamlessly with HVDC Systems from other manufacturers. This removes the need for AC conversion to transfer power from one manufacturer to another and is an essential step towards HVDC grids, increasing options for greater supply chain efficiency and future system operation. Without interoperability and a single supplier providing large parts of the developing offshore network, future network operation could be disproportionately exposed to outage risks.
This project seeks to develop and understand how such systems could be implemented and commercially established ahead of future demonstration. A technical model development will be performed and the outlines of a commercial framework investigated.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: January 2025 – December 2027
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transition
Project Partners: Univeristy of Strathclyde, Imperial College London, BVM Systems, National HVDC CentreA real-time alert and control system for the system operator to reduce system stability risks by monitoring, detecting, interpreting, and mitigating different types of power network oscillation events.
SETTLE bridges earlier SIF work carried out under the INSIGHT project (Discovery Phase and Alpha Phase) and its potential Beta Phase by delivering clear oscillating tracing, categorisation, measurement and modelling that provides the foundation for new control and planning tools to be developed and demonstrated in Beta.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: January 2025 – December 2025
Strategy Themes: Whole enegy systems
Project Partners: Olsights, MapStandREACT (Rapid Evaluation Areal Connection Tool) is a geographic visualisation planning tool designed to help stakeholders navigate the complexities of upgrading the power grid to achieve Net Zero. By visualising power flows and analysing planned generation, demand and storage, including contracted substation pipelines, alongside other decarbonisation pathways, REACT enables the Network Licensee to optimise network development.
This NIA project aims to deliver a standalone tool covering the entire SSEN-T licence area based on the output of the REACT Alpha Phase and including the development of new scenarios to understand scheme status / likelihood of success plus other user-driven experimental features. Enabling users to optimise demand and generation placement with REACT maximises asset efficiency and supports effective deployment of new infrastructure.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: January 2025 - May 2025
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partner: The partners responsible for the delivery of the DSI project NIA2_NGESO081 are NESO, Mesh-AI and Arup. Additional NIA2_NGESO081
project participants include the National Digital Twin Programme (NDTP), SSEN-D & NGET.There is currently a lack of process and mechanism for data sharing amongst Transmission Operators and the National Energy System Operator (NESO). The Data Sharing Infrastructure (DSI) project aims to create a common data sharing infrastructure, in a secure, resilient and scalable way, to achieve an ecosystem of connected digital twins, as we transition to net zero.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: March 2025 - August 2026
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transition
Project Partner: Prisma PhotonicsWind speed data is essential for calculating Dynamic Line Ratings (DLR), and its accuracy impacts its effectiveness. Accurate wind speed data across long sections of our overhead lines (OHLs) is currently minimal. There are few Met Office weather stations close to our OHL locations, so windspeed data is interpolated.
This project will trial the use of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology to measure wind speed along the length of an OHL.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: February 2025 - March 2026
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transitionThe electricity system is changing as older thermal plants based on large synchronous machines are displaced by renewables making increasing use of power electronics for connection and interconnectors using high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technologies. The result of this is the fault behaviour of the system is evolving as power electronic sources do not contribute the same high fault current as synchronous machines.
These tests will validate the outcomes of the G74 review by recording system behaviour in response to the application of fault disturbances at two locations. By collating data on the network configuration as well as generation and demand during tests, the system can be accurately modelled in accordance with the new G74-2 guidance and the accuracy of the short circuit calculation technique assessed.
-
Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: July 2025 - September 2026
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practicesUnder TOTEM 3, the TOTEM model will be enhanced through three key tasks:
- Protection Elements – Develop UK-standard protection models (e.g., overcurrent, differential, distance) for key equipment, with implementation at substations.
- Model Equivalents – Create tools for static and dynamic network equivalents to simplify studies and improve simulation speed without losing accuracy.
- Model Enhancement – Convert the full GB network from PowerFactory to PSCAD directly, update models to reflect latest developments, and provide a user manual for independent model updates.
The project is a collaboration between NESO and UK Transmission Operators to expand TOTEM’s capabilities and usability. This project development from previous NIA projects - TOTEM, TOTEM Extension and TOTEM 2.