SSEN procures 348MW of flexibility

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has procured 348MW of flexibility services in its latest tender.

It brings the total to date for the distribution network operator (DNO) to almost 447MW.

SSEN has procured 150MW of flexibility from five hydropower sites Achintee, Cassley, Port Ann, Kilmelford and Dunoon in the north of Scotland. In southern England, the DNO has procured 198MW of flexibility from two sites in Havant and Rownhams which will use a combination of gas and diesel generation and battery storage to fulfil the agreements.

The Constraint Managed Zones (CMZ) contracts will be used as an alternative to backup generation during prolonged power cuts or maintenance periods.

Alex Howison, flexible solutions manager for SSEN said: “These new CMZ contracts help us in supporting the communities we serve by providing additional flexible, cost-effective and secure energy sources for the management and flexibility of the electricity network.

“CMZ contracts are a vital part of SSEN’s commitment to running a network that puts flexibility first. Today’s announcement provides an exciting example of how we are leading the way in securing safe and secure electricity solutions across Great Britain while also seeking to reduce carbon emissions and support the journey to net zero.”

James Lithgow of Ormsary Farmers, the winner of the Port Ann contract, said: “We are delighted to be involved in the move to more flexible local network management and are happy to play our part in ensuring a robust network supported by the various wind and hydro assets under our management.

“Our team were involved in the successful Islay CMZ in 2019 and 2020, so we know first-hand the benefits that these contracts can deliver for all concerned.”