TRANSITION

There is widespread recognition that the GB network needs to become more flexible. Delivery of the best whole system outcome for consumers will depend upon DNOs taking an increasing role in delivering an efficient, coordinated and economical system. This will require active use of new technologies, solutions and providers, with significantly increased engagement between the DNOs, SO and TOs. This transition toward the new Distribution System Operator (DSO) model promises significant benefits for consumers but presents all licensees with new challenges and risks.

The industry-wide ENA TSO-DSO Project has been established to provide a more detailed view on the transition to a flexible energy system. The outputs from Workstream 3 (WS3) of this project (DNO to DSO transition), include a DSO road map, functional requirements and market model options. The objective of TRANSITION is to design, develop, demonstrate and assess the tools, data and system architecture required to implement the proposed models arising from the TSO-DSO Project, with a focus on the outputs from WS3 to help inform and de-risk the industry's transition to DSO. SSEN and ENW are continuing discussions with other licensees on further collaboration opportunities to maximise value from this project.

Objectives

There are already moves toward a more flexible system, with the implementation of pioneering initiatives such as Active Network Management (ANM) and Constraint Managed Zones (CMZ). These have only been possible due to the learning outcomes from previous innovation projects, which have helped prepare DNOs and the wider industry for the transition to a DSO.

Work Stream 3: DNO to DSO Transition will build on this early work and produce a transition road map, functional requirements and potential DSO market models. Based on the road map, the TRANSITION project will look to develop functional tools prior to demonstration across a range of network scenarios. This will ensure that the proposed models are validated to establish their technical, commercial and market suitability.

The NIC project will consist of six Stages, with a Stage Gate prior to the trial deployment. The project structure will be confirmed in the full submission.

Stage 1: based on the SGAM outputs produced in WS3, develop technical, commercial and market requirements for identified market models;
Stage 2: Engage with a range of stakeholders to define, agree and validate the functional and non-functional requirements to deliver the models;
Stage 3: Identify the deployment requirements necessary to validate the proposed DSO models; this should consider a range of geographies and network configurations;

-Stage Gate-

Stage 4: Deployment;
Stage 5: Operation and assessment; and
Stage 6: Learning and dissemination activities will be structured throughout the project to ensure knowledge is captured and shared on an incremental basis.

To ensure a robust solution, SSEN issued a "third party challenge" based around the transition to DSO. Over fifty responses were received with a range of proposals relating to technical and commercial challenges of the DSO transition. Following detailed assessment, a number of the respondents have been identified to progress the scope of TRANSITION. This will ensure that the project benefits from a much broader range of knowledge, skills and experience to give a more robust outcome

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