Power distribution networks

ITI Energy and a consortium involving Rolls-Royce, ScottishPower and the University of Strathclyde are to explore the development of new technology to actively manage power distribution networks.

The project has the potential to deliver an active network management system which allows more flexible and more cost-effective implementation of distributed generation and demand side management. This could also mitigate the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades and reduce capacity constraints in existing networks.

ITI Energy estimates that in Europe and the US by moving from large scale centralised power generation to smaller scale, more localised forms of generation will result in a potential market opportunity for new active network management technologies over the next 5-10 years of up to $300 million pa.

Electricity networks globally are facing a period of unprecedented change. Ageing assets, more localised distribution, and the need for improved security and quality of supply and increasing energy efficiency are forcing network operators and equipment suppliers to think differently about how they meet these demands. At a smaller scale, the complexity of “islanded networks”, such as electric ships or planes, requires similar “smart” network management technologies.