UK, England: SP Electricity North West has connected a new 30 MW battery project to its network using smart grid technology, helping the site come online faster and at lower cost.
The connection was delivered through the company’s real-time active network management (ANM) system, which monitors electricity flows across the network and automatically manages constraints when they occur. By using the existing grid more efficiently, the system allowed the battery to connect three years earlier than originally expected, avoiding costly reinforcement works.
According to the company, the approach delivered savings of $4.3 M (£3.2 M) by removing the need for major network upgrades. The technology enables the grid to operate safely while making more flexible use of available capacity, a growing priority as more renewable generation and energy storage projects seek connection.
Since the battery was linked to the network, the ANM system has activated more than 400 times. However, the site’s operation has been restricted by only 0.3 %, allowing it to function almost normally while still helping the network manage local constraints.
The battery is now able to support balancing services, which are becoming increasingly important as the electricity system integrates higher levels of low-carbon generation.
The project demonstrates how smarter network control can accelerate clean energy connections, reduce costs and support the UK’s wider net zero ambitions without waiting for traditional grid reinforcement.
Source: Energy Live News
