National Grid trials new technology to integrate more renewable energy into its power lines

The National Grid has begun installing new technology on parts of its electricity transmission network as part of a trial, which they hope will allow more renewable power to flow through its power existing lines.

It is installing sensors and a dynamic line rating (DLR) platform on a circuit in the north of England, which can monitor and highlight spare capacity on overhead power lines to allow for the integration of more renewable power.

National Grid says that the technology has the potential to unlock 0.6GW of additional capacity, enough to power more than 500,000 homes.

By increasing capacity and allowing more renewable power to flow, this technology could also reduce constraint payments (where generators are paid to stop producing power to avoid overloading the transmission system) saving £1.4 million a year.

With partner, LineVision, who has pioneered the non-contact overhead power line monitoring system, National Grid has already ran similar trials in the United States.

Lydia Ogilvie, director of network strategy and operations for National Grid said: “To meet the increasing demand for electricity and deliver net zero, our network needs to grow, but at the same time we are continually looking at ways of expanding capacity on our existing infrastructure.

“I’m proud that National Grid is leading the way in using transformational and innovative engineering, integrating vital grid enhancing technologies like LineVision’s, to decarbonise and deliver world class reliability, at lowest costs for consumers.”