UK Power Networks has responded to industry demands by releasing comprehensive data on the history of curtailment across its network. The distribution system operator (DSO) aims to enhance openness regarding when and why distributed energy resources (DERs) face curtailment, ultimately working towards facilitating the integration of more renewable energy into consumers' homes.
Having introduced flexible connections to the UK in 2014, UK Power Networks aimed to expedite and reduce the cost of connecting renewable energy generators to the network. However, the trade-off involved occasional curtailment of exported energy to maintain network safety.
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Addressing this, the DSO is now making detailed curtailment data accessible to the public through its Open Data Portal. This initiative aligns with the company's commitment to transparency and comes in the wake of launching the UK's first independent DSO in May 2023. Since then, UK Power Networks has established dedicated data and operations teams focused on understanding and mitigating the curtailment process.
Sotiris Georgiopoulos, DSO Director, expressed the company's dedication to maximizing energy flow onto the network while acknowledging the challenges faced by generators. He stated, “By gaining a really clear understanding of exactly what's happening and then working with our customers, we've been able to deliver a significant drop in the volume and duration of curtailment.”
The release of granular curtailment reporting includes data on spare capacity at each Grid Supply Point and the number of projects requesting new connections. This transparency aims to support customers by providing crucial information for better planning and, ultimately, fostering the integration of more renewable energy into homes at a reduced cost.
Philippa Hardy, Commercial Director of Locogen, emphasized the importance of data in supporting clients to strategically plan renewable energy, energy storage, and hydrogen projects. She noted, “The more data we have on curtailment, capacity, and constraints, the more we can support our clients to plan where renewable energy, energy storage, and hydrogen projects are best placed to support the networks and customers.”
This initiative not only marks a step forward in promoting sustainable energy practices but also empowers industry stakeholders with valuable insights to make informed decisions for the continued growth of renewable energy integration.
