UNITED KINGDOM -- National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) is using new transformational technology from US-based Smart Wires to unlock 1.5 GW of network capacity.
The San Francisco-based startup Smart Wires manufactures digital controls for high-voltage transmission grids. NGET is using the manufacturer's modular power flow control technology to drive the transition towards more intelligent, digital and controllable power grids.
The new power flow control technology is being installed on five circuits at three NGET substation sites in the North of England - Harker in Carlisle, Penwortham in Preston and Saltholme in Stockton-on-Tees near Middlesbrough. The sites were identified as needing a solution to solve bottlenecks of renewable power.
Omexom UK & ROI was selected to partner with National Grid and Smart Wires to manage and install the power flow control technology.
The project should ensure 500 MW of new network capacity available in each region.
Following these initial installations at the three sites, National Grid is looking to extend the capability at Harker and Penwortham in fall 2021. This could mean freeing up an additional 500 MW of capacity, enough to power more than 300,000 homes, National Grid said in a press release.
