Strategy Group puts forward Route Map to a 'Smart' Electricity Grid

Electricity Networks Strategy GroupThe Electricity Networks Strategy Group (ENSG) has published a route map for transforming the UK's electricity network into a "smart grid". The group brings together expertise from across the electricity networks and is jointly chaired by DECC and Ofgem. Its new report sets out principles and a timetable that would see the UK's electricity networks change from a passive grid to an active network that can accommodate major changes such as a switch to electric cars and distributed generation.

The routemap includes a framework to move from the UK's high level objectives to a set of potential pilot projects, and warns that projects should not hinder the existing programme to rollout smart meters across the country.

The three high level objectives are carbon reduction, energy security, and economic competitiveness and affordability in delivering a cost effective low carbon transition.

The ENSG believes that it is critical to deliver a range of well targeted pilot projects between 2010 and 2015 in which the feasibility, costs and benefits of smart grid technology can be tested, and in the expectation that many of them will prove to be technically and economically successful and therefore available for U.K.-wide application from 2015 onwards. Further, any smart grid developments must create the right mix of technical, commercial, industry and regulatory changes to overcome a diverse set of challenges.

Accordingly, four tiers of projects and trials have been identified, with increasing customer interaction, value chain integration and commercial/regulatory development required, as the projects types move from tier 1 to tier 4. The four tiers are:
  1. Individual technology, e.g. dynamic line rating
  2. Multiple integrated technologies, e.g. network monitoring, control and optimization
  3. Customer and technology integration, e.g. distributed generation and ultra low carbon vehicles implementation
  4. End-to-end integration, e.g. intelligent conurbation linking all elements of the value chain.
Download report...