ESO and UKPN trial distributed reactive power service

National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) and UK Power Networks (UKPN) have begun a trial of a new reactive power service that will allow distributed energy resources to help manage the voltage on the transmission network.

Voltage on the network has traditionally been controlled using a combination of power electronics and services from larger transmission-connected generators. The Power Potential project will allow the ESO to access untapped sources of reactive power connected at the distributed level.

The service is being operated using a distributed energy resources management system developed by ZIV Automation which has been integrated into UKPN’s control room. A series of shorter trials involving individual generators have already taken place.

The full end-to-end system is now being tested with multiple generators. An initial eight-week technical trial will be followed by a three-month pilot of a live commercial market that is scheduled to finish in March 2021.

Ian Cameron, head of customer services and innovation at UK Power Networks, said: “Power Potential is truly transformative innovation because it’s fundamentally changing the way we do business and interact with the national transmission system. We’re creating a whole new market for renewable energy providers because it’s what they have asked us to do, and a way to reduce the cost of the whole electricity system to customers.”

“This is arguably the most ambitious innovation project happening across the UK energy system right now, and to get to this stage is testament to the collaboration and dedication of an outstanding team of specialists at UK Power Networks, ZIV Automation and National Grid ESO.”

Biljana Stojkovska, Power Potential project lead at the ESO, said: “The start of the Power Potential trials marks an important milestone for this world-first innovation project, which aims to create a new reactive power market for distributed energy resources. Through our collaborative approach with partners we’re applying ground-breaking engineering and economics principles to understand what’s happening in the power system and to unlock its unexploited potential.

“We look forward to the next stage of the project during which we’ll get some more detailed insight into what the trial data is telling us. And we cannot do this alone. Together with our project partners, we’ll gain important knowledge to support future innovation in reactive markets and ancillary services.”