RP7 Stakeholder Consultation WEB - Flipbook - Page 22
4. Facilitating net zero
through a flexible and
integrated energy system
Investment driver
We are embarking on the most
significant change in network design,
management and operation since rural
electrification in the 1960’s. A net
zero future will involve a much greater
role and dependency on electricity in
society, with the expected need for
the rapid electrification of heat and
transport as we move away from costly
and volatile imported fossil fuels. Whilst
electrification will play a key role in all
pathways to net zero, the electricity
network will need to remain adaptable
to the evolving decarbonisation
landscape and the changing needs of
consumers, as the exact blend of low
carbon technologies that will emerge
and at what pace, is still uncertain. The
RP7 period to 2031 will be a critical
initial step to enable the transformation
of the electricity network necessary to
achieve these goals.
to supply and demand which will
provide faster and cheaper access to
network capacity. We will demonstrate
how we’re including innovation in our
plan which will enable uptake of Low
Carbon Technologies (LCTs) at least
cost, whilst retaining flexibility in the
network for future changes in customer
demands. To deliver this flexible and
integrated energy system, our roles
and responsibilities will need to evolve
from that of a traditional Distribution
Network Operator (DNO) to that of a
Distribution System Operator.
However, we recognise that we are in
the midst of a cost of living crisis and it
is critical that we facilitate net zero at
least cost. To that end our vision is of
an innovative, dynamic and integrated
distribution system, flexing in response
Our proposed strategy
To facilitate net zero at least cost, we believe a fundamental change is required to the way in which DNOs have historically
reinforced electricity networks. This change, from DNO to DSO, is illustrated below.
Figure 5 - Historic 3 step approach to network reinforcement
1) Limited forecasting
and modelling
A reactive approach to network
modelling and identification of
demand and generation constraints
on the lower voltage networks.
2) Monitoring at higher
voltage levels only
Good monitoring on higher voltage
levels, but low levels of monitoring
on low voltage levels.
3) Conventional
reinforcement only
When we identify a need to
intervene we put ‘more copper
in the ground’ or install bigger
transformers.
Figure 6 - Proposed 4 step approach to network reinforcement
1) Extensive
forecasting and
modelling
Scenario forecasting and modelling
to proactively identify demand and
generation hotspots and likely
future network constraints.
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2) Monitoring at all
voltage levels
Deployment of monitoring on our
lower voltage networks to closely
observe actual demand and
generation increases to determine
the optimum intervention at the
optimum time.
Northern Ireland Electricty Networks
3) Flexibility
First
Before we invest in traditional
increases in capacity we will test the
market for customer and network
‘Flexibility First’.
4) Touch the
network once
When traditional network investment
is the correct option we will aim to
touch the network once, meaning
that we install assets which are fit
for purpose out to at least 2050.
