SP Energy Networks is set to create a ‘digital twin’ of the country’s electricity network that will model and test digital solutions to managing increased electricity demand on its real-life counterpart.
Scott Mathieson, network planning and regulation director at SP Energy Networks said: “The pace of change in the energy industry is like nothing we’ve ever seen so it’s vital we can stress-test tech and services to identify the best solutions and ensure the network remains fit for purpose as we move towards an all-electric future. This new ‘digital twin’ will allow us to simulate innovations and understand the potential benefits of new services in a whole new light, giving us meaningful insights that will directly impact what we do in the real world.”
Using AI and state of the art technology the digital twin will help identify the best ways to optimise capacity and incorporate green energy technologies on to the network as homes and businesses make the switch to cleaner and greener fuels.
The project is based on finding the best options for managing increased electricity demand on an energy network platform – hosted by the University of Strathclyde – from the decarbonisation of heating and industry. This will allow SP Energy Networks to identify best practice and solutions that can be deployed in real-life to deliver an optimised, reliable, resilient, and cost-effective energy network of the future.
Hydrogen use will also be added, modelled by the other partner universities.
The digital twin network will create new virtual links between homes and businesses and the grid. This will be the first stage in creating a new digital layer to the smart grid of the future that will ultimately allow consumers to have a more interactive relationship with the grid, enabling energy retailers to offer better information and services to homeowners.
This is the first energy project funded by the Engineering, Physics and Sciences Research Council’s Prosperity Partnership Fund. Developed in collaboration with Strathclyde, Glasgow, Heriot Watt and St Andrews universities the five-year project will also create 20 new, highly skilled, academic research jobs.
James Yu, Head of Innovation at SP Energy Networks said: “Net zero will only be possible if we have the network infrastructure and innovative energy system to manage the increased demand from the likes of heat pumps or electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. This AI-led project is the first step in revolutionising how we interact with the electricity grid and informing how we use the electricity that will power our cleaner and greener lives – all while keeping the lights on.
“Digitalisation of the energy system is a critical step in enabling the UK’s transition to net zero carbon emissions and the digital twin will help us forecast – right down to street level – how many heat pumps can be used, or where and when it’s best to charge your electric car. That will help us plan and prioritise better and ensure we provide the electricity network people don’t just want – but need.”