UK Power Networks and TE Connectivity have been working in collaboration, as part of an Innovation Funding Incentive (IFI) funded project, to develop a new solid-state switching technology for use on Low Voltage (LV) distribution networks. The devices developed in the IFI project retrofit to existing LV plant, and the system provides previously unavailable remote switching and re-configuration of the LV network. Single phase fault break / fault make circuit breakers replace existing LV distribution board fuses, and load break / fault make switches replace solid links in link boxes.

The Hook Norton Low Carbon Community Smart Grid project (Smart Hooky) was funded through the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) Low Carbon Network Fund (LCN). This Fund supports projects sponsored by the Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) to try out new technology, operating and commercial arrangements. The aim of the projects is to help all DNOs understand how they can provide security of supply at value for money as Britain moves to a low carbon economy.

The aim of the Odysseus project is to develop an Open Dynamic System (ODYS) enabling the ‘holistic energy management’ of the dynamics of energy supply, demand and storage in urban areas, on top of an open integration platform supporting the pilot scenario’s for designated urban areas exemplified in the cities of Rome and Manchester. While in Manchester project results will be validated on a simulated energy efficiency environment, in Rome it is in the early stages of dealing with energy efficiency in public building.

The transition to a low-carbon electricity sector will create a range of challenges for distribution networks and the wider electricity system. Cost effective forms of flexibility will be required as an alternative to the significant reinforcement otherwise needed to accommodate increased demand peaks and a more intermittent and inflexible supply-side.

The SuSTAINABLE project will develop and demonstrate a new operation paradigm, leveraging information from smart meters and short-term localized predictions to manage distribution systems in a more efficient and cost-effective way, enabling a large-scale deployment of variable distributed resources.

The project will perform business and technical modelling based on data from UK Power Networks' London electricity network, using real ENER-G CHP systems to relieve the peaks in demand

TWENTIES Project aims to demonstrate through real-life. large-scale demonstrations. the benefits and impact of several critical types of technology required to improve the European transmission network. thus giving Europe the ability to increase the share of renewables in its energy mix by 2020 and beyond. while keeping its present reliability

The overall impact from SUSPLAN is contribution to a substantially increased share of renewable energy sources (RES) in Europe at an acceptable level of cost. thereby increasing security of supply and competitiveness of RES industry. The main objective is to develop guidelines for more efficient integration of RES into future infrastructures as a support for decision makers at regional as well as Pan-European level. The guidelines shall consist of strategies. recommendations. criteria and benchmarks for political.

The main objective of the Smart-A project is to identify and evaluate the potential synergies that arise from coordinating energy demand of domestic appliances with local sustainable energy generation but also with the requirements of regional load management in electricity networks.

Arqiva will use its dedicated UHF spectrum combined with Sensus’ purpose designed security measures, to provide a bespoke communications network for independent use by the UK’s water, gas and electric utilities.