The Future Power System Architecture (FPSA) programme was undertaken by Energy Systems Catapult and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (2015 to 2018) to identify the additional capabilities, or functions, that the power system will need by 2030 to meet the anticipated challenges that it could face.

FPSA was conducted in a series of distinct phases:

Power Network Joint Vision – while not formally part of the FPSA programme, this is the initial statement of the issues that FPSA subsequently addressed.  This comprised a main report Electricity Networks Handling a Shock to the System and an assessment of how other sectors have responded to the challenge of whole-system integration.

• FPSA1 – identified the new or subsequently enhanced functions that the GB power system would need to meet the targets set for it by 2030.
• FPSA2 – re-tested and modified the 35 functions, looked at the barriers to delivery and the challenges to the industry governance processes.
• FPSA3 – developed proposals for reform of the industry governance processes.

Review of FPSA functions – looked again at the functions in the light of the move to a net zero emissions target and considered the urgency of delivering each function.  Functions were considered urgent if they either:

• Were implied by specific government targets (e.g. no new Internal Combustion Engine vehicles from 2030), or
• They were identified as being particularly difficult to deliver.

Key points

The main findings from the FPSA3 report include:

• A more agile change and governance approach is needed for the UK power system to ensure it is accessible, flexible and fit for the purpose of coordinating increasingly dynamic disruption in the sector.
• The Enabling Frameworks approach, developed by the FPSA programme, could provide the basis for more agile change and governance.
• The IET and ESC should work with BEIS, Ofgem and other stakeholders, and through energy sector initiatives, to explore how agile change could be integrated within the overall governance of the sector.
• An industry-wide consensus should be established on the need for and meaning of Whole Systems thinking.
• The IET and ESC should act as a catalyst for the urgent development and delivery of the thirty-five power system functions identified in FPSA Phase 1 work.