Two innovation projects designed by SP Energy Networks to help deliver a smarter electricity network for consumers have been successfully awarded funding as part of an Ofgem competition.

‘Project Fitness’ (Future Intelligent Transmission Network Substation) aims to deliver a state-of-the-art digital substation design. This will use digitised measurement for protection, control and monitoring instead of traditional copper wiring and conventional measurement equipment. Successful delivery of this project will reduce future costs associated with new and replacement substations while reducing environmental impact and land requirements. £8.3m of funding has been awarded by Ofgem for the project, which will be delivered in partnership with GE Grid Solutions, ABB, Synaptec and the University of Manchester.

‘Angle DC’ will demonstrate an innovative network reinforcement technique by converting an existing ‘AC’ (alternating current) network on Anglesey to ‘DC’ (direct current) operation. Successful delivery of this project will enable additional power from renewable energy to be exported from Anglesey on the existing distribution system. In addition, there is significant potential for this technology to be used by electricity distribution companies across the country to create additional network capacity and help manage network performance. £13.1m of funding has been awarded by Ofgem.

Colin Taylor, Director of Engineering Services at SP Energy Networks said: “We believe that both of these projects can deliver significant benefits for the electricity network in Britain, and we are very pleased to have secured funding from Ofgem. Continued technical and commercial innovation is critical if we want to meet the major energy challenges facing the UK. This award demonstrates our ambition and capability to innovate and deploy the latest technologies in the best interests of consumers and communities.”