Two groundbreaking projects by SSEN Transmission, aimed at revolutionizing the transmission sector through innovation, have been granted funding to enter the first Beta phase of Ofgem's Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF).
The projects, known as the Network DC Circuit Breakers and Incentive, have collectively received £7.1m in support. SIF, in collaboration with UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), is specifically designed to drive the necessary innovations for transforming gas and electricity networks to meet the demands of a low-carbon future. Notably, the funding for SSEN Transmission's projects is provided by network users and consumers under the SIF program.
Both schemes, Network DC Circuit Breakers and Incentive, are now set to move forward into the crucial third and final Beta development phase. The initial two phases were focused on addressing technical uncertainties and establishing proof-of-concept initiatives. In contrast, the third phase aims to accelerate the progress of full-scale demonstrator projects, taking the solutions to higher technology readiness levels (TRL) and paving the way for their implementation.
The pressing need for innovative solutions arises due to the increasing capacity of offshore wind energy. As we transition to greater reliance on intermittent renewable generation, there's a growing necessity to enhance grid balancing and address stability challenges. Failing to do so could lead to a weaker GB grid, heightening the risk of blackouts and continued reliance on fossil fuel generators.
Addressing these challenges, the Incentive project has been granted £1.1m to explore novel solutions. It will demonstrate the application of innovative voltage, current, and frequency control technologies, coupled with energy storage at the onshore connection points of offshore wind farms. This innovative approach seeks to optimize the integration of offshore wind into the grid, contributing significantly to the UK's net zero targets.
Scotland's transmission network plays a pivotal role in supporting the nation's efforts to achieve its net zero objectives. As part of this effort, the Network DC project secured £6m in funding. Its primary goal is to enable the utilization of DC circuit breakers (DCCBs) in onshore HVDC hubs.
DCCBs offer the potential to combine HVDC links that connect two points in the network and an export cable from a wind farm within a single hub, eliminating the need for additional stations to convert electricity current from DC to AC and vice versa. This streamlined approach reduces infrastructure requirements, making significant strides towards achieving net zero while minimizing the environmental impact and promoting a more flexible and cost-effective network.
The successful completion of the Beta phase projects will open a pathway for implementing DCCBs in HVDC network development projects throughout the UK, representing a major leap forward in the country's energy transformation journey.
