UK Power Networks has begun to publish data on when and why distributed energy resources are ‘curtailed’ – ie, stopped from exporting to the grid.
The company introduced flexible connections in 2014. They enabled renewable energy generators to connect to the network faster and at lower cost, but with the trade-off that they were curtailed when necessary to keep the network within safe limits.
UK Power Networks’ system operator is providing access to detailed data of curtailments into the public domain on its Open Data Portal. Now the company has established a new data and operations teams working to deeper understand and reduce the curtailment process.
DSO director Sotiris Georgiopoulos said “By gaining a really clear understanding of exactly what’s happening and then working with our customers we’ve been able to deliver a significant drop in the volume and duration of curtailment.
“We strongly believe in the principle of opening up our data and we’re opening up granular curtailment reporting, to release data on exactly how much spare capacity is available at each grid supply point, and how many projects have already requested a new connection supporting customers by sharing more data and ultimately getting more renewable energy into people’s homes at lower cost.”
Commercial director of Locogen Philippa Hardy said: “The more data we have on curtailment, capacity and constraints, the more we can support our clients to plan where renewable energy, energy storage and hydrogen projects are best placed to support the networks and customers”.