With the integration of renewable energy resources as part of the net-zero transition, electricity networks will experience a loss of inertia which is well documented. This situation makes the power systems more dynamic and time constants for mitigations are getting shorter. These decreased reaction times in operation require automated systems which can tackle the higher dynamics in the grid. Wide Area Monitoring, Protection, Automation and Control (WAMPAC) schemes are one key element in this context. Wider availability of synchronized phasor data increases the observability and awareness of higher system dynamics. The phasor data and power system modelling will be used to develop a roadmap and proof of concept for advanced WAMPAC systems including optimised automated network control enacting contingency measures for power system events.
Benefits
Consumer benefits are described as part of the Cost Benefit Assessment in section 3.2.1. The assessment is based on three value levers, i.e. reduced risk of blackouts, reduced constraint cost through better system awareness and improved effectiveness of network investment. The net consumer benefit of this proposal is estimated as £1M. It is expected that funding in a future regulatory period will be required and therefore no specific additional benefits would be accrued by electricity transmission and distribution networks.
Learnings
Outcomes
Year 2024/25
Review of existing OTS and WAMS and comparison against required Design Considerations for System Integrity Protection Scheme (SIPS) and WAMPAC: In summary, the strengths of the existing OTS are found in its speed of operation as well as its simple, transparent, safe and dependable design. However, considering that both the arming and the firing of individual OTS actions may have financial and other consequences, its limitations with respect to selectivity and adaptability highlight the need to explore possible enhancements to ensure optimal performance and effective risk mitigation. Based on this assessment, two separate recommendations were made:
- Assisted arming of existing event-based OTS via online dynamic security assessment
- Response based OTS based on PMU measurements (e.g., voltage angle difference between
Substations
Year 2025/26
The project provided a comprehensive assessment of existing OTS and WAMS and established a strategic pathway for adopting WAMPAC solutions using PMU data. It also demonstrated, through a proof-of-concept, the feasibility of response-based wide-area monitoring and control to enhance system stability, improve operational decision-making, and complement existing protection schemes.
The outcomes of this project are directly relevant to NGET as they support a transition to more adaptive, data-driven system operation, improving visibility and enabling faster, more informed responses to network conditions. By leveraging PMU data and wide-area control approaches, the project enhances system resilience and reduces reliance on conservative operational constraints, supporting more efficient utilisation of network capacity in an increasingly complex, low-carbon energy system.
Total NIA Expenditure on project
A total of £256,000 was spent on this project. As shown above £181,000 of this was external supplier costs and the remaining £75,000 was internal and indirect costs.
TRL
The project achieved TRL 3, with key WAMPAC concepts, algorithms, and design approaches developed and demonstrated through analytical studies and proof-of-concept modelling.
Dissemination
- Published a paper titled “Design, implementation, and continuous adaption of WAMPAC functions using software- and hardware-in-the-loop simulations”
The paper "Design, implementation, and continuous adaption of WAMPAC functions using software- and hardware-in-the-loop simulations" at the CIGRE UK B5/D2 Joint Technical Liaison MeetingOral presentation at the 20th IET International Conference on Developments in Power System Protection DPSP Global 2026, 2 - 6 March 2026, London, UK
Lessons Learnt
Year 2024/25
- The OTS protection settings are currently derived from simulations using an offline analysis tool. Since these models rely on approximations, conservative margins are typically applied to ensure reliability. However, this can limit the full utilisation of grid assets.
Year 2025/26
- The project highlighted the importance of data readiness and integration when applying wide-area measurement systems, particularly in ensuring measurement quality, consistency, and alignment across multiple data sources.
- It demonstrated the value of a structured, stepwise validation approach, progressing from concept and modelling through to proof-of-concept demonstration, to build confidence and reduce risk ahead of potential operational deployment.
