UK Power Networks’ DSO unleashes 4GW of new capacity

Since launching the UK’s first independent Distribution System Operator, UK Power Networks has been working collaboratively with other networks to unleash 4GW of new network capacity, fast-tracking offers to more than 40 new energy projects in 2023. 

As part of its work to unleash additional capacity, UK Power Networks has seen connection dates brought forward by more than a decade in some instances, enabling the rapid deployment of renewable energy and battery storage projects.

The initial phase of this initiative involves releasing 2.3GW across eight Grid Supply Points (GSPs) in 2023, with a further 1.7GW across four GSPs in early 2024. 

By leveraging its Distributed Energy Resource Management (DERMS) platform, UK Power Networks is enabling new and emerging assets like large-scale battery storage to take advantage of existing system capacity. In fact, the company is allowing customers who accept the revised offers to connect as soon as they are ready to build. 

This collaborative effort, spearheaded by UK Power Networks, is bringing about a paradigm shift in network connections, making it cheaper, easier, and faster for net-zero technologies to connect to the grid.

Matt White, Head of Network Strategy at UK Power Networks DSO, emphasised the significance of this achievement, stating, “Networks are working together and taking a whole-systems approach that is showing how we can deliver the capacity we need to reach Net Zero. 

“Our DSO is demonstrating how the technology, people, and data that it is developing is making a tangible difference to our customers by fast-tracking gigawatts of capacity in our licence areas and beyond. 

“We’re committed to making it cheaper, easier and faster for net zero technology to connect to the network, and we’re working closely with our fellow networks and the national transmission system to make it happen.”