Revolutionizing Electricity Distribution: The UK’s First ‘Smart’ Substation
A groundbreaking development has emerged in Kent, where the UK’s inaugural ‘smart’ electricity substation is now operational. This innovative facility is designed to facilitate real-time communication with other energy sites, ensuring that power is dispatched efficiently during peak demand periods.
Enhancing Network Communication and Capacity
The Maidstone substation, managed by UK Power Networks, serves as the pioneering installation in a new initiative aimed at leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. This initiative presents an opportunity for numerous distributed energy sources to be integrated more effectively into the electrical network across South East England.
Innovative Solutions Through Constellation Trial
As part of its Constellation trial, UK Power Networks is embedding sophisticated computing systems within existing substations. This technology will enhance power flow analysis and optimize energy distribution based on current needs and future demand predictions.
The state-of-the-art digital substations are engineered to harness AI capabilities to augment grid capacity sustainably. Should this trial yield promising results, these strategically situated smart substations could enable operators to adjust settings dynamically—potentially unlocking 50% more capacity when conditions allow for it safely.
Pioneering Collaborative Efforts with Allington Energy from Waste
Allington Energy from Waste has distinguished itself as the first generator linked to this new system by implementing a dedicated smart substation at its Maidstone site. Plans are underway for an additional five smart substations throughout South East England as part of this ongoing experimentation.
A Future-Oriented Vision with Continuous Innovation
While these digital advancements have already been initiated through the Constellation platform, UK Power Networks remains committed to exploring further innovations that can be incorporated into their infrastructure over time.
Voices Behind Innovation: Industry Leaders Speak Out
Luca Grella, head of innovation at UK Power Networks remarked: “This innovation marks a significant milestone for our electrical network. It sets the stage for future developments of additional smart substations that will substantially benefit both our clientele and environmental sustainability.”
Juergen Schaper, operations director (Energy Division) at FCC Environment—which oversees Allington Energy from Waste—added: “As one of Britain’s foremost waste management companies, we concentrate on converting non-recyclable waste into productive heat and power resources. The integration of our output into an increasingly robust electrical network via this advanced substation signifies a progressive stride towards supporting the nation’s decarbonization objectives.”
