A consortium is exploring how an open and interoperable digital twin of the UK’s electricity transmission and distribution networks can aid decision-making when managing and balancing energy resources and assets.
National Grid Electricity Sub-station at Skidby, Yorkshire in England. Credit: JThomas, Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY SA 2.0
A consortium is exploring how an open and interoperable digital twin of the UK’s electricity transmission and distribution networks can aid decision-making when managing and balancing energy resources and assets.
Distribution and transmission network operator, SP Energy Networks and Digital Catapult are working with the University of Strathclyde and National Grid ESO on the project, which also aims to help to improve understanding of the potential role of advanced digital technologies in achieving the UK’s net zero targets.
The consortium reckons the project, which has received funding from UK energy regulator Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), will determine the “art of the possible” based on currently available technologies. It will also outline the use case and minimum viable product for a digital twin of the electricity transmission and distribution networks.
Development of the digital twin will allow the partners to understand the system in real-time, providing the ability to visualise – and simulate – how and when the electricity transmission and distribution network is being used, in order to balance the system in the most optimal, safe, and cost-effective way.
Neil Kenward, director of strategy and decarbonisation at Ofgem, said: “This project is all about understanding how digital twins can support visualising, understanding, and evolving a system as complex as the UK’s electricity networks to respond and adapt in real-time.
Ofgem is committed to achieving net zero rapidly and at lowest cost, to deliver real net benefits to network companies, energy users and consumers. That is why we are delighted to support innovative projects like this one through our Strategic Innovation Fund.
The only way we can reduce our vulnerability to volatile and high gas prices is to focus on generating cheaper, cleaner power here at home.”
Stay updated with our conference: here
New blogs updated here: here
