29 June 2005 00:00 Central Networks leads industry on developing innovative solutions to meet government green targets

Central Networks has taken the lead on Ofgem’s Registered Power Zone (RPZ) scheme and is developing an innovative solution to connect more renewable generation to its network.

As the first company to submit its application to the scheme, which Ofgem laid out in its last price control review, Central Networks is designing a pioneering solution to help the Government meet its environmental targets.

Central Networks’ scheme would see the 132KV circuits from Skegness to Boston developed to take the extra power generated by future wind farms.

At the moment, the circuit will quickly reach its capacity and would not be able to export the newly generated power from both onshore and offshore wind farms.

The new scheme would help the lines carry the extra power generated from wind farms by systematically making decisions on real time information, rather than relying on fixed line ratings.

Central Networks Managing Director Bob Taylor, said: “I’m really excited about our scheme - it’s inventive and enables more renewable generation such as wind farms to connect to our network through a low cost solution.

“We’re delighted that we’re the first distribution company to deliver our application to Ofgem and help the government meet its tough green power targets.”

Development Engineer Martin Orme, part of the project team who developed the scheme, said: “The existing 132KV circuit capacity is limited by thermal considerations, and to prevent overloading the fixed line capacity calculation is based on worst case scenario conditions,”

“Our innovative solution means that by combining real time load and local temperature information, we can calculate dynamic circuit ratings, make decisions on real time information, and control the system accordingly.

“Should the output of local generation connected in the RPZ scheme cause these maximum limits to be approached, we can get generators to reduce the electricity output.”

It will cost Central Networks around £270,0002 to develop the scheme. Once fully operational the new technology means the network able to cope with as much as an extra 90MW of generation above the 227MW of existing capacity.

Martin said: “Faced with the possibility of the alternative solution of re-conducting the existing towers which will cost millions, we believe this is a viable solution, enabling optimum use of the distribution network and connection of more renewable generation at lowest cost.”

The scheme, which was submitted to Ofgem this month, is still in its early stages of development and work is ongoing to create software to support the scheme.

Central Networks anticipates that, once proven, there is the potential for a similar scheme to be used on other parts of its own networks and networks in similar circumstances across the country.

Bob said: “Our engineers have worked hard to develop a solution that both challenges traditional thinking and also utilises the assets and the infrastructure which is already in place.

“Once fully developed and tested, the scheme could offer huge cost savings while also ensuring our network remains reliable and efficient without compromising service for our customers in the area.

“We’re now working closely with renewable generators who are looking to develop wind farms in the area. We’ve received positive feedback and we’re confident our solution will lead the way and support the future development of green generation across the UK.”

Ends

Notes to editors:
To date, there is currently 191MW of wind generation built or about to be built in the Skegness to Boston area:
1. 1.2MW Mablethrope 11KV – connected
2. 4.8MW Bambers Farm 33KV – connected
3. 4.8MW Bamabers Farm 33KV – still to be connected
4. 90MW Lynn Offshore 133KV – still to be connected
5. 90MW Inner Dowsing 132KV – still to be connected

1 = RPZ status is given to areas of a network where electricity distribution network operators demonstrate new, more cost effective ways of connecting and operating renewable generation. RPZs are intended to help the Government meet its climate change targets.
2 =This amount does not include ongoing operational costs or generator connections cost.

•Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East
Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.8 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 97,000 substations;
•Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north
to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For further information please contact:
Rebecca Middleton on 024 7642 5779