Applying whole systems thinking to provide unbiased and independent expertise and insight into electricity transmission and distribution networks
Accelerating networks to Net Zero with power systems engineering
Our Power Systems practice is a key component of our Systems Engineering capability, helping to deliver thought leadership, offering technical expertise, power systems modelling & simulation to accelerate the power sectors transition to Net Zero.
Thought Leadership – identifying challenges faced by electricity networks and providing recommendations and frameworks to progress to sustainable solution to decarbonise grids.
Technical Expertise – applying subject matter expertise in operating, designing, and managing Grid Power Systems and researching into new technology and markets.
Power Systems Modelling and Simulation – providing insights and analysis to solutions via modelling and simulations for power flow studies and networks designs using software such as DigSilent, PowerFactory, Python and MATLAB.
Transition to Net Zero – working with incumbent organisations to modernise power systems to achieve favourable future energy scenarios with uncompromised energy security, reliability, and affordability.
Industry Standards and Codes
Grid Integration Considerations
Whole Systems Approach
Electricity Transmission and Distribution Expertise
System Operation Expertise
Market and Industry Expertise
Case Studies
Electricity Networks Commissioner
Energy Systems Catapult chair, Nick Winser, was appointed as Electricity Networks Commissioner in July 2022 by Rt Hon Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and tasked with providing advice to Government on how to reduce the time it takes to deliver transmission infrastructure in Britain.
The challenge was that the electricity transmission network requires upgrading and expanding to connect renewable generation and support decarbonisation. It currently takes up to 14 years to build new transmission infrastructure. The objective was to identify and recommend areas where the end-to-end delivery process could be shortened by 3 years, and ideally by half.
The Commissioner was supported by a detailed companion report by Energy Systems, including:
- Mapping the end-to-end process using a System Engineering approach.
- Identifying 8 key challenge themes where time could potentially be saved.
- Engaging with over 200 stakeholders from 15 organisations, including Governments, Transmission Owners and Ofgem to identify and refine options for process change.
The Commissioner final report with 18 recommendations, supported by the Catapult companion report, found:
- Current timescales of 12-14 years for building new electricity transmission lines can be reduced to seven years to help deliver energy security and Net Zero.
- It was vital that clean, secure, affordable electricity from 50GW of new wind and 24GW of new nuclear must reach homes and businesses.
- “Open, transparent and efficient” engagement with communities and people about impact of new transmission infrastructure is key.
A Zero Carbon Energy System – The Operability Challenge
The Zero Carbon Energy System: The Operability Challenge report – created in collaboration with the Faraday Institution and supported by TNEI – presented fresh thinking about a zero-carbon system and how it will be operated. It focussed on some of the key parameters that make up the system operation and was intended as a starting point to generate conversation and debate.
In order to meet Net Zero by 2050, the GB Power System will need to undergo significant change which, if not managed sustainably, could have an adverse impact on energy security. The Operability Challenge aimed to flag these areas of concern now in order to highlight where efforts could be concentrated to facilitate Net Zero.
Energy Systems Catapult produced a report in collaboration with partners that identified key focus areas that needed to be addressed, including modelling the impact that storage would have on a decarbonised power system.
Key finding from the report included:
- Energy demand shifting, combined with new forms of bulk storage, were needed to operate a Net Zero power system efficiently due to loss of coal stores.
- Devices like Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers and heat pumps could support system operation by automatically and autonomously responding to frequency and voltage.
- Digitalisation and enhanced data will provide an opportunity to use dynamic approaches to operability and move away from deterministic rules.
- net zero system provides an opportunity to reconsider the technical parameters considered within system operation, e.g. the relaxation of frequency standards.
- Further research would be valuable in stress testing the system, understanding the economics of flexible demand, investigating net zero energy markets, and exploring the requirements for and cost of storage in a net zero system.
ARPA-E Offshore DC Grids
Both USA and UK have growing markets in Offshore Wind, including floating turbine systems. In both markets, Offshore Wind presents challenges around grid integration that could be addressed through a ‘whole systems’ approach.
Our Power systems practice conducted a literature review into areas identified as key challenges, including:
- Grid Code Requirements
- Stability Services
- Grid forming capability
- Inertia
- Voltage regulation
- Fault Ride Through
- Co-location of storage and offshore wind farms.
As a research piece this informed stakeholders on the network impact and operational challenges of Offshore DC grids. This information can be used to strategize future research in the area, allowing the industry to apply whole system thinking when assessing the impact of this technology.
How to work with us
We are not-for-profit, independent and technology-agnostic – building a trusted track record of delivering thought leadership, collaborative R&D and commercial commissions – so are uniquely placed to take on the challenges that others cannot tackle.
Collaborate with us: We work with partners from the public and private sectors to secure funding and collectively deliver the innovation projects and thought leadership that tackle the hardest challenges in the way to Net Zero.
Commission us: We offer independent support, evidence and insights – with technical, commercial and policy expertise – to identify and deliver Net Zero innovation priorities. Then actively support clients to develop actionable plans for implementation.
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If you are interested in working with us, contact us by completing the form and one of the team will be in touch.
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Find out more about how Energy Systems Catapult can help you and your teams
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Want to know more?
Find out more about how Energy Systems Catapult can help you and your teams