Our Innovation Projects

Funding Phase: SIF Beta Round 1
Project Timeline: July 2023 – December 2026
Strategy Themes: Whole energy systems
Project Partners: The National HVDC Centre, The Carbon Trust, National Grid ESO, The University of Edinburgh, SuperGrid Institute, Mott MacDonald

Offshore wind will play a leading role in the transition to net zero, with as much as 100GW required to deliver 2050 net zero targets.  This will require the development of HVDC grids to connect and transport offshore wind from source, increasingly further offshore, to areas of demand.

To support the development of HVDC grids there is a need to demonstrate the capability of DC Circuit Breakers (DCCBs). Circuit breakers, which already exist on the onshore AC network, minimise the impact of faults, allowing power to keep flowing elsewhere on the network.

The Network DC project aims to advance the readiness of the technology for implementation on the GB system, to enable the development of offshore DC networks which cannot exist without DCCBs.

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Funding Phase: SIF Beta Round 1
Project Timeline: July 2023 – October 2024
Strategy Themes: Whole energy systems
Project Partners: National Grid ESO, University of Strathclyde, The Carbon Trust

With the increasing capacity of offshore wind, innovation is required to facilitate the rapid roll-out of this intermittent generation to support grid balancing and address stability challenges. Without this, the GB grid will become weaker which will lead to issues in system operation including, increasing the likelihood of blackouts and maintaining reliance on fossil fuel generators.

Project Incentive will investigate new solutions to address this through demonstrating the use of innovative voltage, current and frequency control technologies coupled with energy storage at the point of onshore connection of offshore wind farms, to allow offshore wind farms to stabilise the onshore grid.

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Funding Phase: SIF Alpha Round 2
Project Timeline: October 2023 – April 2024
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transition
Project Partners: The National HVDC Centre, University of Strathclyde, National Grid ESO

INSIGHT addresses SIF Innovation Challenge 2 Theme 2 "Novel ways to reliably support low stability systems" by developing innovations in technology and standards that help the power system be ready for Net Zero by 2035. INSIGHT seeks to understand, classify, predict, and define actions to manage potential new forms of instability (e.g oscillations in voltage, power and/or frequency) on a system dominated by power electronic sources (such as wind generation, HVDC converters, STATCOMs etc). The overall aim is to create a virtual, real-time alert and control system that can highlight oscillatory instabilities on the network and then automatically inform control actions required to dampen/remove them.

INSIGHT will also recommend to industry new standards and codes to manage these emerging stability risks.

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Funding Phase: SIF Alpha Round 2
Project Timeline: October 2023 – April 2024
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transition
Project Partners: Icebreaker One, Olsights, MapStand, SGN, National Grid Electricity Transmission

REACT is fully aligned with SIF Challenge 3 Scope 2, which aims to strengthen the UK's energy system robustness to support the efficient roll out of new infrastructure.

REACT is an innovative tool that will provide the ability to visualise connection requests in real-time, outline the impact they have on the grid and provide the optimal location to site connections on the network.

This will help manage the large increase in connection requests expected on the network by allowing developers to review the impact of their request and identify alternative solutions, saving time and resources. This will prevent the network from becoming overloaded, as each connection will be placed strategically, in turn helping improve the system's ability to withstand shocks.

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Funding Phase: SIF Alpha Round 2
Project Timeline: October 2023 - April 2024
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partners: Palantir, Icebreaker One, IBM, SSEN Distribution

The limitations of current weather and climate (meteorological) data mean that it is impossible to predict, with any great degree of accuracy, the impact that weather events and climate change will have on the individual assets that make up our electricity networks across their lifetime.

NIMBUS will revolutionise the way detailed meteorological data and models are used in the design and decision-making of electricity assets, through innovative uses of the data and predictive modelling techniques.

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Funding Phase: SIF Discovery Round 2 - Completed
Project Timeline: Apr 2023 – Jul 2023
Strategy Themes: Whole energy systems

SECURE aims to strengthen the UK’s energy system and support efficient and timely installation of new high voltage direct current (HVDC) infrastructure to realise a Net Zero energy system.

Demand for HVDC connections is growing rapidly across Europe for grid reinforcements such as the Eastern HVDC links, interconnectors and offshore wind connections. Globally, the HVDC Cables Market size exceeded $10billion in 2021 and is anticipated to reach annual deployment of 18,000 km by 2030, with c1,300km for GB grid reinforcements.

The robustness, capability and capacity of the supply chain to support this HVDC infrastructure will be a critical factor in this growth. HVDC supply chains are a complex flow of materials and goods through a global network of suppliers and sub-suppliers. De-risking the HVDC cables supply chain will enable Transmission Owners (TOs) to successfully deliver new HVDC infrastructure whilst reducing delay and costs risks.  

SECURE will utilise digital solutions that can provide TOs with greater visibility over the HVDC cable supply chain.  This is expected to take the form of a Digital Supply Chain Hub (DSCH), giving real time visibility over the supply chain along with competing levels of demand. The DSCH will be developed using XLPE as a use case to bring rapid results in Alpha, extended to the full HVDC cable system in Beta and beyond that, applied to wider HVDC component parts & systems.

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Funding Phase: SIF Discovery Round 3
Project Timeline: March 2024 – May 2024
Strategy Themes: Whole system planning
Project Partners: University of Strathclyde, National Grid Electricity Transmission, National Grid ESO, Met Office, Gilytics, EnergyLine

To ensure transmission networks are maximising their current infrastructure for the transition to net zero, the REVISE project will be revisiting the calculation process for assigning overhead line ratings. This process currently uses historical environmental data captured in the 1980’s and does not take into consideration local/regional climate variations.

Improving industry understanding of line ratings, using up-to-date high-resolution weather data combined with the latest techniques for system modelling, will allow for improved targeted investment to ensure networks meet the demand for the connection of new renewables, securing a safer and greener future.

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Funding Phase: SIF Discovery Round 3
Project Timeline: March 2024 - May 2024
Strategy Themes: Whole system planning
Project Partners: National Grid Electricity Transmission, National Grid ESO, The Carbon Trust

The BluePrint project is looking to develop innovative and collaborative solutions to overcome the uncertainties of connecting offshore wind farms to areas of the UK network that are constrained.

The project will build on National Grid ESO’s Network Holistic Design, aiming to better understand how the future network will be delivered and to accelerate connection times for bringing renewable energy onto the transmission network across the UK to reach net zero targets.

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Funding Phase: SIF Discovery Round 3
Project Timeline: March 2024 - May 2024
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transition
Project Partners: National Grid Electricity Transmission, UK Power Networks, National Physical Laboratory (NPL)

The shift from fossil fuels to new sources of renewable power such as wind, solar, and battery storage presents challenges in ensuring network stability due to fluctuations in levels of generation. To secure a net-zero grid, network operators need to monitor system strength conditions to implement mitigation measures. At present, neither the requirements for system strength monitoring nor the possible hardware and digital solutions are well defined.

SYSMET is bringing together leading experts to create a pathway for implementing innovative tools that provide a comprehensive insight into system strength.

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Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: July 2021 – March 2026
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transition
Project Partners: The National HVDC Centre, University of Strathclyde

This project aims to investigate how effective and reliable new Protection and Control equipment is on a future electricity network, which has even more renewable generation and power electronic equipment, via a combination of network simulation and open-loop device trials.

It is also the aspiration to determine new tests and validation processes for the Protection and Control equipment, in the future transmission system environment of low fault currents. Research would also be conducted into the shape and structure of new Protection and Control operating processes and protocols to help accommodate the transition of the network towards net-zero.

The scope of this project is to simulate a future electrical network where the fault current spike is marginal but prolonged and evaluate how present P&C products function and respond. Based upon the findings it will determine if a P&C solution can be further developed to address the future network issue.

The present mitigation measure for areas of the network that may be exposed to lower levels of fault current presently being investigated is a device called a Synchronous Condenser. A Synchronous Condenser can replicate a traditional fossil fuel power source and in the event of a fault it will respond with a very large, sudden, single bolt of current. A Synchronous Condenser also has associated challenges which need to be addressed before it could be used on the transmission system, but it is estimated that such a device to install would be £15million.

This project is addressing the challenges associated with areas of the network that may be exposed to lower levels of fault current via P&C products, which are more commonly procured and installed for around £200k. If this project can evidence that P&C products have the potential to be developed, build a simulation that can test future P&C products in a lower-level fault current environment and identify the changes that need to be made to existing P&C policies and procedures then this starts to open up an alternative solution to a Synchronous Condenser at a fraction of the cost.

Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: January 2022 – November 2024
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transition
Project Partners: PLPC, Energyline, Norpower

Steel alternatives to the wood poles used for trident wood pole construction are required to provide an equivalent solution for the construction of non-resilient overhead lines (OHLs) at altitudes above 300m, where wood poles are impractical, and to provide an alternative supply chain to address the long lead times and creosote obsolescence risk associated with wood poles.

Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2 - Completed
Project Timeline: May 2022 – July 2023
Strategy Themes: Network improvements and system operability
Project Partners: Manitoba, National Grid, SP Energy Networks, National Grid ESO

Continuation of NIA SHET 0032 TOTEM, to complete the development and associated validation of a full-scale model of the GB Transmission System in electromagnetic transient (EMT) PSCAD simulation software.

The GB power system is rapidly evolving as conventional synchronous generation is decommissioned and ever greater levels of renewable sources are connected leading to a much lower level of system inertia and lower short circuit levels.  At the same time there are increasing numbers of HVDC links and Flexible AC Transmission systems (FACTs) devices being connected in close proximity in parts of the system.  The potential for adverse control interactions between these devices is rising and needs careful consideration within the context of a potentially weaker GB system.

Conventional phasor-based RMS simulation tools have limitations in studying weak, low inertia systems due to the level of detail that is represented.  A move to developing more detailed electromagnetic transient (EMT) based models which will address these concerns is proposed as a solution and is seen as a key way of de-risking the integration of the technologies described above.

Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: May 2022 – December 2025
Strategy Themes: Network improvements and system operability
Project Partner: Cardiff University

As part of Network for Net Zero strategy, SSEN transmission are migrating to alternative gases which have lower carbon footprint than sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) for Gas Insulated Systems (GIS) within the transmission network. However, there is industry wide knowledge gap in the key features related to condition monitoring of the alternative gases which may result in an inability to correctly manage future GIS that use the alternative gases.

This research will provide full understanding of the condition monitoring requirements of the alternative gases to allow engineers to identify an incipient failure and carry out repairs, mitigating potential lost revenue or regulatory fines.

Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: March 2022 - March 2024
Strategy Themes: Network improvements and system operability
Project Partner: WSP

This project will explore how more dynamic “probabilistic” modelling could be used by Transmission network planners to account for complex factors which could yield more efficient development and connection processes. This would allow the connection of more renewable generation and flexibility assets and seeks to enable more efficient operation of the electricity system. The main deliverable of this project is a prototype probabilistic planning toolkit and study process to apply to connection studies.

Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: August 2022 – February 2024
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partner: The Met Office

The current values of radial ice accretion defined in BS EN 50341-2-9:2017 are regarded as conservative with little basis in modern Meteorological science, especially as applied in the North of Scotland. Application of these values may lead to overdesign of overhead lines being designed and constructed to enable the energy system transition.

This project will develop a new ice accretion model and integrate it with existing global Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models with high granularity topological and orographical parameters. It will thereafter use this composite model with extreme value analysis techniques to derive new values for radial ice accretion, which reflect modern meteorological practice.

The new values will be compared with BS EN 50341-2-9:2017 to assess the potential benefits of adopting a new design practice.

Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: December 2022 – May 2025
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partners: National Grid, University of Dundee

This project will produce learning on improved designs for OHL tower foundations, including a better understanding of the optimal edge profile/roughness, and how this can reduce the materials/space required. It will also provide an understanding of any associated cost savings and benefits. Preliminary work estimates that the cost savings generated by the more efficient design, per tower with pad and column foundations, could be between 5 – 10%. Average Transmission circuits have hundreds of towers which means that the average saving per new circuit could be in excess of £1million.

Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: February 2023 – April 2024
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partners: The Met Office

To understand the impact of corrosion on galvanised steel assets in the North of Scotland, SSEN Transmission utilise the Galvanisers Association corrosion map. This map provides the atmospheric corrosion rate of hot dip galvanizing on a 10km grid, which is applied to estimate the average life of assets. The science behind how the map has been developed is not fully referenced and is not understood to consider topography or industrial pollution. In addition, the 10km grid does not provide adequate resolution to make informed decisions on specific assets/asset locations. This lack of granularity results in overly conservative technical decision making.

The project will develop a new corrosion map which will be compared against the Galvanisers Association map to assess potential benefits of adopting new design and lifecycle practices. 

Benefits

The project will assess whether, by providing more accurate and relevant weather and environmental data, a more efficient and cost-effective process could be used to design, construct, and maintain SSEN Transmission network assets in the North of Scotland. Reducing the resultant costs associated with renewable energy transmission could assist in the SSEN Transmission RIIO-T2 business plan goal to transport the renewable electricity that powers 10 million homes, contribute to national Net-Zero targets, and provide benefit to 
customers. 

Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: June 2023 - October 2024 
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partner: Ross Robotics

High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) valve halls are inaccessible to staff due to the hazardous environment. Monitoring of the equipment is currently performed using static cameras however these do not provide full visibility of equipment, particularly monitoring gauges and floor level machines. Because of these restrictions condition monitoring and maintenance is performed on a periodic timeframe (annually) and requires a shutdown of the system.

This project proposes to install an autonomous robot within the confined space of a HVDC valve hall to monitor equipment status and need for maintenance. This innovation would allow for any faults or need for maintenance to be identified without causing unplanned downtime of the system and allowing for engineers to perform condition-based maintenance.

Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: July 2023 – August 2025
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partners: Verescence

Severe pollution and harsh weather are one of the main issues for electric utilities causing flashovers and unplanned line outages. Currently, there is no pollution measurement information across the network.

This project will use insulator leakage current monitoring sensors to capture and share information remotely. This will help characterise the risk of equipment degradation due to pollution and assist with designing and maintaining Overhead Lines (OHLs) in pollution-high-risk areas of the network. With this, early design mitigation and maintenance procedures can be carried out to prevent faults due to flashovers. 

Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: March 2024 - August 2025
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partner: i4am Asset Management 

Currently, when operators are on site, they conduct inspections of components in our substations using thermal cameras. Operators use cameras to identify ‘points of interest’ using prior knowledge of substations to predict expected faults and capture images accordingly. There is no prescribed technique or structure to conducting inspections and the approach varies from each site. This leads to random, unstructured data collection with no data value and does not allow for repeatability.

The proposed solution is to develop a structured, easily repeatable approach to on-site data collection which builds upon present Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (ESQC) requirements and documentation. This would be established by building a visual aid routine (scripting) on the operative’s handheld device to be followed when undertaking site surveys.

Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: March 2024 - September 2025
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transition
Project Partner: Energyline, Norpower, PLPC, Allied Insulators

There is an increasing need to connect renewable developments with increasing electrical capacity and geographic density. Existing low-profile, overhead lines lack sufficient capacity to accommodate large individual or aggregated electrical capacity. The only current alternatives carry a stepwise increase in construction costs due to their complexity and need for engineered access during construction.

This project follows on from our NIA 132kV Low Profile Steel Poles project. The proposed 220kV low-profile designs will provide a lower-cost solution that will assist the energy system transition by reducing the costs of large or aggregated renewable energy connections.

Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: May 2024 – March 2025
Strategy Themes: Net zero and the energy system transition
Project Partner: Manitoba Hydro International (MHI)

This project is focused on the continuing development of innovative tools and resources for power system modelling and analysis. Following TOTEM and TOTEM Extension there is a model that can mimic large-volume power electronics and enable the formulation of mitigation measures to future-proof the GB network associated with the energy transition. TOTEM 2 will incorporate additional capabilities.

Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: June 2024 - December 2024
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partners: Full Matrix Limited

There is a need to utilise High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) conductors within our network as it increases the capacity of overhead line (OHL) conductors with no need for further reinforcement. Due to the composite nature of the core of HTLS conductors, traditional non-invasive inspection methods are not applicable and there is currently no method to inspect or monitor the condition of the conductor post installation.

The proposed solution is to use guided wave inspection, by means of a prototype device, which works through a single transmitter/receiver where an energy wave reflection is analysed to detect defects. The prototype device will be demonstrated and aims to provide a definitive answer as to whether the inspection methodology is applicable to HTLS conductors.

Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: June 2024 - March 2026
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partners: Xytecs Limited

Overhead line (OHL) foundation condition is difficult to assess without costly and disruptive excavation. Based on existing knowledge or previous data, non-intrusive techniques can be used and have been available for many years but are inadequately researched/developed for use in OHL foundations to base refurbishment and replacement decisions upon.

The proposed solution will carry out the development, testing, and trial of a new method with an aim to achieve a reliable non-intrusive foundation assessment.

Funding Phase: NIA RIIO-2
Project Timeline: September 2024 - June 2025
Strategy Themes: Optimised assets and practices
Project Partners: N-SIDE

Planned outage management has become ever more challenging due to the increased volatility and complexity created by the massive integration of renewable energy sources on the electricity network and the reinforcement of the system to facilitate the transfer of increased generation volumes. This has generated additional manual work for outage planners, which, without process change, could become unmanageable.

The project aims to explore the use of decision support algorithms to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of planned outage management processes.