The current approach to develop the Construction Planning Assumptions (CPA) required to plan for connection applications to the power grid was not developed to capture the core characteristics of the future net-zero energy system. To address this challenge, this project will review the current CPA methodology, models and tools and propose key relevant updates to (i) capture emerging technologies (e.g., batteries and electrolysers), (ii) define uncertainty scenarios (e.g., based on statistical methods) and (iii) standardise and automate the process to improve the efficiency of the connections process and the experience for ESO, TOs and clients
Benefits
The project has huge potential to deliver benefits to CPAs, specifically by:
- Enhancing the accuracy of modelling assumptions, improving the quality of input data, and developing advanced data processing methods that would result in increased confidence in CPAs. This has the potential to accelerate earlier connection dates for customers, reduce enabling works associated with customers' contracts, and an overall improved CPA experience for ESO.
- Standardizing and automating the CPA process, which would reduce the time spent by engineers, both in ESO and TOs, preparing CPAs.
- Modelling the operating profiles of prominent clean technologies (e.g., batteries and electrolysers) with more accuracy will facilitate a more cost-effective transition to net zero.
Learnings
Outcomes
- This project delivered a comprehensive review and benchmarking of the NESO construction planning assumptions tools, which is the core component of the CPA process and therefore essential for the robust analysis of new connections to the power system.
- It developed updated, state-of-the-art modelling approaches for electrolysers that are fully compatible with NESO construction planning assumptions tools’ mathematical formulation (i.e. linear programming). These enhancements support the futureproofing of the tool.
- A dedicated tool was produced to emulate an ED environment and to provide guidance on integrating the proposed models into NESO construction planning assumptions tools.
- The project assessed and validated the new models within the ED environment using a series of user informed case studies.
- NESO construction planning assumptions tools’ input and output structures were updated to accommodate the proposed electrolyser models, and additional tools were produced to postprocess electrolyser dispatches.
- The case studies and tools were made available to NESO.
- The proposed models have now been integrated into NESO construction planning assumptions tools.
Lessons Learnt
- NESO construction planning assumptions tools and other components of the CPA process require periodic reviewing as the context of the future decarbonisation pathways is constantly evolving, especially as new technologies emerge and decarbonisation targets become more ambitious.
- The development of mathematical models for tools that are used by industry such as NESO construction planning assumptions tools require multi-disciplinary expertise which at least includes understanding of the energy sector, mathematical programming, and software development.