UK Power Networks (UKPN) has opened up registration for flexible power operators to provide 292MW of flexible power across 113 different sites in London, the East and South East of England. The network is offering more than £13 million for the servicrs and says at some locations with early start dates there is an immediate revenue opportunity for existing generators, energy storage and demand side response.

The demand on the electricity network continues to rise and greater capacity will be needed on the network at peak times. ‘Flexibility’ arrangements manage the outputs from renewable energy generators such as batteries and wind turbines. In addition it offers financial benefits for major energy users who can sign up to reduce their demand at peak times.

Since 2019, the UKPN has awarded flexibility contracts to 29 companies worth more than £44.5 million for almost 500MW of peak power up to 2028.

Sotiris Georgiopoulos, head of smart grid development at UKPN, said: “We know that flexibility can provide a cost-effective and quick alternative to building new infrastructure to help manage the rise in low carbon technologies like electric vehicles and heat pumps. This latest tender underlines our commitment to the market.”

Potential participants can view flexibility zones on the Piclo Flex website at https://picloflex.com/dashboard