The Volta programme is an innovation digitisation programme focused on using machine learning & AI for control room operations to optimise forecasting and dispatch decisions.
This project is part of the Volta program and is a continuation of two projects; the Advanced Dispatch Optimisation (ADO) NIA2_NGESO0013 project, where a vision for an efficient dispatch process that is fit for purpose for the energy system of the future and the Dispatch Optimiser Transformation (ADO2/DOT ) NIA2_NGESO044 project which further developed the ADO recommendations and analysed the gaps between the current and future state.
This project will deliver two specific work packages within the Volta Roadmap:
- A qualitative benchmarking comparison.
- A wider impact assessment for potential market changes
The collaborative approach of this project will involve multiple parties across Europe and potentially worldwide.
Benefits
Collaborative Benchmarking: By involving various stakeholders from different countries, we can perform thorough benchmarking across different energy systems, regulatory environments, and market conditions. This will ensure that our proposed solutions are robust, versatile, and adaptable to various contexts.
Global Expertise: Engaging international experts and organisations will allow for a broader understanding of what has been done elsewhere to be compared against system operations processes, the failures that have occurred, and learnings and best practice that can be derived from them.
Standardisation and Interoperability: A collaborative effort will help in developing standardised processes and technologies that are interoperable across different regions, promoting greater efficiency and consistency in energy dispatch and optimisation.
Learnings
Outcomes
The project has delivered all three initial objectives and delivered three comprehensive reports. providing insight and independent assurance of the Volta Programme’s vision and assumptions through the Volta Qualitative Benchmarking and Impact Analysis project.
As part of the Work Package 0 report, the ADO, DOT and other relevant Volta Programme outputs have been reviewed and the relevant aspects of the current Volta vision that informed the focus of the international benchmarking exercise have been identified, either because they were innovative or because they required more precision.
As part of the Work Package 1 report, the outcome of the benchmarking exercise has been reported. The report details: best practices, lessons learned, and realistic requirements for advanced dispatch systems, from the input data models feeding into the dispatch tools through control room operator visualisation, dispatch optimisers and ex-post monitoring.
As part of the Work Package 2 report, a Joint Dispatch System Change Roadmap has been delivered for NESO’s major programmes and initiatives that are driving changes to the Scheduling and Dispatch tools through 2028. The roadmap highlights critical dependencies, potential synergies, and key decision points across the Balancing Programme, Network Control Programme, Volta Programme (including tactical projects), and Future Control Strategy (FCS). Its primary aim is to support transparency, alignment, and shared ownership across teams, enabling informed prioritisation and sequencing of work towards a unified vision for the Control Room of the Future.
Through the completion of the Volta Qualitative Benchmarking and Impact Analysis project, 20 recommendations have been identified for the next phases of development of the Volta Programme.
Lessons Learnt
The project faced some delays due to difficulties to set meetings with some of the SOs. The solution was to find the right contacts through the SMEs, the senior management and the wider industry including academic institutions.
In the future, it might be worth setting up meetings well in advance to have time to find alternative routes if needed.
