REACT (Rapid Evaluation Areal Connection Tool) is a geographic visualisation planning tool designed to help stakeholders navigate the complexities of upgrading the power grid to achieve Net Zero. By visualising power flows and analysing planned generation, demand and storage, including contracted substation pipelines, alongside other decarbonisation pathways, REACT enables the Network Licensee to optimise network development. This NIA project aims to deliver a standalone tool covering the entire SSEN-T licence area based on the output of the REACT Alpha Phase and including the development of new scenarios to understand scheme status / likelihood of success plus other user-driven experimental features. Enabling users to optimise demand and generation placement with REACT maximises asset efficiency and supports effective deployment of new infrastructure.

Benefits

REACT’s Unique Selling Point (USP) is that it is an intuitive aggregated spatial view of current and future planning status of energy and utility networks, energy developments and geography.

It satisfies a wide range of stakeholders with engaging, easy-to-use / understandable visuals in which the data model is live with automated updates. Moreover, the data model merges complex datasets that have never been previously combined.

The CBA model is based on the following assumptions:

A Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) was developed for REACT in Q1 2024 as part of the SIF Beta Phase application and has recently been reviewed to ensure it remains relevant.

• It is assumed that the technology would be operational in 2031 following completion of this NIA project, a SIF Beta Phase and a period of further testing/refinement.
• Estimated total project cost (Discovery -> Deployment): £7.7 million

• The lifetime net financial benefit is estimated to be £260 million comprising savings to:
• Offshore wind curtailment reduction: 1% annual saving
• Onshore wind curtailment reduction: 1% annual saving
• Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) reduction: 1% annual saving
• Connection application cost reduction: 50% annual saving

Summary of Benefits:

Cost Reduction for Network and Consumers

• Curtailment reduction by implementing a more holistic view of the network when considering connections which allows Customers to connect quicker to the network.

Reduced Environmental Impact

• Build a more optimum network by considering the entire network at an early stage.
• Ability to visualise and understand the interactivity between different future network scenarios.

Connection Application Improvements

• Facilitated through a pre-application discussion.