UK Power Networks has launched the world’s first smart substation in Maidstone, Kent, an important milestone in the United Kingdom’s journey toward a more efficient and sustainable future.
As part of the Constellation trial, this groundbreaking initiative will install advanced computer systems into existing substations to analyze power flows and redirect energy as needed, optimizing infrastructure.
Highlighting the initiative’s importance to making a difference for customers and the environment, Luca Grella, Head of Innovation at UK Power Networks stated, “Enhancing the service provided to our energy-generating customers and making our network more resilient in the process will go a long way to preparing our network for a decarbonized future, and will allow more renewable energy resources to connect.”
Additionally, Allington Energy from Waste has become the first distributed generator to connect to the new system, with a dedicated smart substation installed at its Maidstone location.
The Smart Substation’s Key Features
This next-generation smart substation will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities to safely distribute increased energy, advancing the UK’s net zero carbon emission goals.
The smart initiative seeks to free 1.4 GW of capacity, powering more than 700,000 homes and saving consumers £750 million by 2050.
Equipped with innovative technologies for communication, Maidstone’s is the first of a series of planned smart substations to allow more distributed generators to connect to the network across the Southeast of England. Five additional smart substations will be installed in the area as part of the trial.
If the trial proves successful, these smart substations could enable network operators to adjust settings, potentially freeing up to 50% of additional capacity.
Juergen Schaper, Energy Division’s Operations Director at FCC Environment, a company that operates Allington Energy from Waste, stated, “As one of the UK’s leading waste and resource businesses, we focus our efforts on generating heat and power from waste that cannot be recycled. Supplying that power to an ever more resilient network via this new smart substation is a positive step forward as we too prepare to support the decarbonization efforts of the UK.”
Ian Cameron, Head of Customer Services and Innovation at UK Power Networks emphasized that smart control rooms and grid edge devices like smart electric vehicle (EV) chargers in the smart substation have been integrated.
This innovative project represents a significant milestone in the UK’s journey towards a smarter and more efficient energy grid, laying the foundation for a more sustainable future.