Problem

UK Power Networks (UKPN) operate the Distribution Network across the southeast of the UK, including London. As part of their vision to be a world-leading Distributed System Operator (DSO), they required a multi-use case Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS), with Active Network Management (ANM) capability, to deliver a broad range of use cases across their business, including; flexible connections, flexibility services, coordinated services with National Grid, and optimisation of the network with power electronics.

Solution

UKPN selected Strata Grid as the core ANM platform for Distributed Energy Resource (DER) integration and to support multi-layered control of DER. Strata Grid was chosen because of its ability to integrate all types and sizes of DER, operate as a multi-use case DERMS hosting multiple different control schemes, and orchestrate use cases across different time horizons. Strata Grid was integrated with advanced online simulation tools and a flexibility market platform.

Result

Strata Grid is operational and managing generation across the Southeast of England. This has unlocked numerous benefits for UKPN, including the acceleration of their connection queues, and increasing the reliability of their networks with high levels of penetration for renewables. Strata Grid is also delivering optimisation and dispatch of flexibility assets participating in UKPN’s world leading flexibility market and supporting the move to day-ahead flexibility tenders. Most importantly, UKPN’s customers benefit from a greater proportion of their supply being renewable without the associated network costs for unnecessary reinforcement.