Smart Wires has signed a framework agreement with National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) for power flow control technology.
 
Under the terms of the five-year agreement, Smart Wires will provide flow control technology to help NGET transfer greater volumes of renewable power to customers, thereby decarbonising UK electricity grid.
 
National Grid Electricity Transmission director and chief electricity engineer David Wright said: “NGET is pleased to sign this agreement with Smart Wires. This is an example of our commitment to deliver clean and affordable energy for our customers.
 
“We have already completed several innovation projects with Smart Wires and have been impressed with their technology and professionalism.
 
“I can see a world very soon where power grids everywhere become more intelligent, digital and controllable. NGET will be a leader in this transition and technology like Smart Wires will inevitably be a big part of this future.”
 
To make optimum use of its existing electricity transmission infrastructure, NGET will deploy modular power flow control technology to increase power transfer capability.
 
By installing the flow controllers, NGET intends to provide the electricity system operator (ESO) with the tools to quickly reduce the congestion that limits renewable generation.
 
NGET is planning a total of five project installations in 2020, which are expected to increase boundary capabilities by 1.5GW in total across three boundaries.
 
Smart Wires CEO Gregg Rotenberg said: “NGET is demonstrating true global leadership and a genuine commitment to fighting climate change.
 
“By making full use of their existing infrastructure, NGET is embracing the transformational changes that are required to achieve wide-scale decarbonisation.”