UK Power Networks has successfully installed the UK’s first smart substation in Maidstone, Kent, marking a significant step forward in energy distribution technology. This installation is part of the company’s Constellation trial, designed to revolutionize the way energy is managed across the network. The substation was deployed at the Allington Energy from Waste plant, a strategic location that highlights the potential of smart substations in enhancing energy flow and optimizing infrastructure.
The Constellation Trial: Transforming Energy Distribution
The Constellation trial is set to be a game-changer for the UK’s power grid. Over the course of the initiative, UK Power Networks plans to roll out a total of six smart substations across the Southeast of England. The project aims to integrate advanced computing systems into existing substations, enabling better analysis of power flow, energy redirection, and overall network optimization. This move is expected to release 1.4GW of capacity and help the UK achieve its ambitious net-zero targets.
Luca Grella, head of innovation at UK Power Networks, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of this technology. “This is a groundbreaking innovation for our network and the first of a series of smart substations that could make a real difference for our customers and the environment,” Grella said. The project’s budget is set at £17.82 million ($29.98 million), with a planned completion date in September 2026.
How Smart Substations Work
The core innovation behind the smart substations is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into the energy distribution system. These technologies will enable smarter management of energy flow, ensuring that the network operates more efficiently and can accommodate the growing demands of renewable energy sources and electrification.
The AI and ML systems will optimize energy distribution, ensuring that power is routed to where it is needed most, and adjusting in real-time to changes in demand or supply. These capabilities are particularly important as the UK works toward its net-zero goals, where renewable energy sources like solar and wind are becoming increasingly dominant.
Strategic Partnerships: GE Vernova and PhasorController
To support the deployment of the smart substation, UK Power Networks partnered with GE Vernova, which installed its PhasorController system at the Maidstone location. This advanced controller plays a crucial role in distributing intelligence and control to both the substation and distributed energy resource (DER) connections.
The PhasorController is designed to maintain resilience and continuity of DER operation, even in the event of a communication failure. By training machine learning models centrally and distributing them to local renewable generation controls, the system ensures that smart applications can continue functioning seamlessly.
Ian Cameron, head of customer services and innovation at UK Power Networks, shared his perspective on the technology: “We already have smart control rooms and grid Edge devices like smart electric vehicle chargers. Having smart substations in the middle pulling it all together is a logical next step.”
The Potential Impact on UK Energy Networks
If the Constellation trial proves successful, it could revolutionize the UK’s energy infrastructure. The smart substations, strategically located across the country, have the potential to free up to 50 percent of additional capacity for network operators. This would significantly enhance the UK’s ability to manage energy demand, reduce costs for consumers, and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable, net-zero energy system.
UK Power Networks sees this initiative as a key part of their long-term strategy to support the growth of renewable energy and reduce the carbon footprint of the electricity grid.
FAQs
1. What is the Constellation trial?
The Constellation trial is an initiative by UK Power Networks to install smart substations equipped with AI and machine learning technologies. The goal is to optimize power flow, improve infrastructure, and support the UK’s transition to net-zero by 2050.
2. How will smart substations help the UK transition to net zero?
Smart substations will optimize energy distribution, accommodate more renewable energy sources, and improve overall grid efficiency. This supports the UK’s net-zero ambitions by making the energy grid more flexible, resilient, and capable of handling increased renewable energy capacity.
3. Who partnered with UK Power Networks for the smart substation project?
UK Power Networks partnered with GE Vernova, which supplied the PhasorController system. This system enables decentralized intelligence and ensures continuity of renewable energy operations even during communication disruptions.
4. How much will the Constellation trial cost, and when is it expected to finish?
The Constellation trial has a budget of £17.82 million ($29.98 million) and is expected to end in September 2026.
5. What benefits do smart substations offer to consumers?
Smart substations can optimize energy distribution, reduce operational costs, and enhance grid resilience. Ultimately, this can lead to savings for consumers, estimated at over £750 million ($925.5 million) by 2050.
