National Grid enhances lines for renewables
The installed grid-enhancing technology allows more renewable power to flow through existing transmission lines.
Image for illustrative purposes
UK: National Grid has installed dynamic line rating (DLR) technology on more than 275 km of its overhead transmission lines, aiming to unlock additional network capacity and lower consumer costs. Developed by LineVision, the new sensors and data analytics platform monitor real-time conditions on power lines to determine how much electricity they can safely carry.
Unlike traditional static ratings, which rely on conservative assumptions about weather and line capacity, DLR adapts to current conditions, such as temperature and wind, to safely increase transmission limits. The sensors have been deployed on nine circuits across key routes, including Penwortham to Daines and Norton to Thornton, allowing for greater efficiency on some of the most constrained parts of Britain’s grid.
National Grid estimates the upgrades could save consumers around $27 M (£20 M) annually and support enough additional renewable electricity to power 75,000 homes per year. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to expand grid capacity and accelerate the UK’s transition to net zero by 2050.
This deployment follows earlier DLR installations in Cumbria and across National Grid’s U.S. networks. The project is part of a larger package of upgrades, The Great Grid Upgrade, that includes advanced flow controllers and the use of AI and drones to inspect overhead lines.
By integrating flexible, grid-enhancing technologies, National Grid aims to optimize existing assets, avoid unnecessary infrastructure expansion, and support a more resilient, renewable-ready energy system.
Source: National Grid
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