ESO and UKPN complete trials of distributed reactive power market

National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) and UK Power Networks have completed live trials of a “world-first” reactive power market for distributed energy resources in the South East.

The Power Potential project was undertaken to respond to voltage control challenges resulting from the connection of more than 7GW of renewable generation to local energy networks in the South and East of England, including high voltage during periods of low demand and low voltage under certain fault conditions.

The project team worked with ZIV Automation to build a distributed energy resources management system that allowed windfarms, solar farms and batteries across Kent and Sussex to participate in a short-term reactive power market and receive payment for providing dynamic voltage control services to the national transmission network.

“This is an incredible milestone in our work to deliver a net zero emissions electricity system that works for all,” said Ian Cameron, head of customer service and innovation at UK Power Networks.

“Power Potential has been one of our most ambitious projects ever, and its success is down to the dozens of dedicated experts who worked tirelessly throughout. Together, we’ve shown how a Distribution System Operator can enable new services and create tangible benefits, a win for consumers, a win for networks and a win for clean air.”

Analysis conducted by the Energy Policy Research Group at the University of Cambridge, another partner on the project, found that a new reactive market in the South East could save £19.5 million by 2050, while allowing an additional 1.5GW of renewable generation to be connected in the region. It said rolling out similar markets across the whole of Great Britain could save close to £100 million, something the ESO is now looking to do as part of its ongoing overhaul of balancing services.

Graham Stein, network operability manager at the ESO, said: “Power Potential is a fantastic example of energy resource and network experts working together to deliver something important and new.

“The project’s output will facilitate the continued growth of renewable energy, inform effective development of Distribution System Operator (DSO) capability and help us achieve zero carbon. It also demonstrates the value of challenging the perceived constraints of organisational and technical boundaries and how risks can be managed with diligence and shared ambition”

Adrian Kearney, managing director of ZIV Automation UK, added: “This is a ground-breaking project, demonstrating the viability of delivering aggregated services from distributed network resources. It has been a significant step forward in the DSO transition and in the flexible services market.”