Low voltage network capacity study
A research study of unconventional options for expanding the capacity of the low voltage (LV) electricity distribution network to meet demand in 2050.
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皇冠体育app Low Voltage Network Capacity Study aimed to identify and evaluate the potential of unconventional options for expanding network capacity to meet forecast electricity demand in 2050 at lower cost than conventional reinforcement.
Phase 1 was a qualitative assessment of all options for increasing capacity, resulting in a ranked list of nearly 30 options from which a shortlist of 8 was recommended for quantitative assessment in Phase 2.
In Phase 2, the shortlisted options from Phase 1 were modelled using the EA Technology 鈥欌�� techno-economic model to see if they could lower the cost of expanding network capacity compared with conventional reinforcement and with existing 鈥榮mart鈥� options such as flexibility and smart charging.
Phase 2 found that 3 shortlisted options could contribute significantly to further lowering network reinforcement costs by several billion pounds by 2050, these being:
- network data monitoring
- phase balancing
- behind-the-meter battery storage
In the Phase 2 Extension report, battery storage was further analysed to establish its value to the network as a function of the location of the storage and to what extent the network benefits could cover the full cost if purchased by the customer.
皇冠体育app study by supported by was funded by the BEIS Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP). It was undertaken from May 2021 to March 2022, and is referred to in the Electricity Networks Strategic Framework.