Electricity Networks Strategy Group - Revision history

Miriam Rose: /* Notes */

2010-07-07T11:15:25Z

Notes

Miriam Rose: /* Notes */

2010-07-06T13:57:02Z

Notes

Peter MacLeod: /* Views */

2010-04-15T14:35:06Z

Views

Peter MacLeod: /* Views */

2010-04-15T14:34:31Z

Views

Peter MacLeod at 20:24, 11 April 2010

2010-04-11T20:24:42Z

Peter MacLeod at 20:23, 11 April 2010

2010-04-11T20:23:30Z

Peter MacLeod: /* Views */

2010-04-11T20:18:38Z

Views

Peter MacLeod: /* Views */

2010-04-11T19:48:43Z

Views

Peter MacLeod at 19:31, 11 April 2010

2010-04-11T19:31:34Z

Peter MacLeod: /* Views */

2010-04-11T17:50:22Z

Views

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:15, 7 July 2010
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−	[[Category:Energy]][[Category:Climate]][[Category:Climate Change]][[Category:Climate: Industry Lobby Groups]][[Category:Climate: Government and International Agencies]] [[Category:Climate: Energy Industry]]	+	[[Category:Energy]][[Category:Climate]][[Category:Climate Change]][[Category:Climate: Industry Lobby Groups]][[Category:Climate: Government and International Agencies]] [[Category:Climate: Energy Industry]] [[Category:Climate: Energy]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:57, 6 July 2010
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	<references/>		<references/>

−	[[Category:Energy]][[Category:Climate]][[Category:Climate Change]][[Category:Climate: Industry Lobby Groups]][[Category:Climate: Government and International Agencies]]	+	[[Category:Energy]][[Category:Climate]][[Category:Climate Change]][[Category:Climate: Industry Lobby Groups]][[Category:Climate: Government and International Agencies]] [[Category:Climate: Energy Industry]]

@@ Line 26: / Line 26: @@
 :A Smart Grid as part of an electricity power system can intelligently integrate the actions of all users connected to it - generators, consumers and those that do both - in order to efficiently deliver sustainable, economic and secure electricity supplies.<ref>"[http://www.ensg.gov.uk/assets/ensg_smart_grid_wg_smart_grid_vision_final_issue_1.pdf A Smart Grid Vision page 5] Electricity Networks Strategy Group (ENSG)", ENSG website, accessed 24 March 2010</ref>
-Below is a brief description of the aims of the report, from Utility Weekly:
+Below is a brief description of the aims of the report, from Utility Week:
 : Its new report sets out principles and a timetable that would see the UK's electricity networks change from a passive grid to an active network that can accommodate major changes such as a switch to electric cars and distributed generation. The routemap includes a framework to move from the UK's high level objectives to a set of potential pilot projects, and warns that projects should not hinder the existing programme to rollout smart meters across the country. The groups said actions taken by the industry, Government and Ofgem over the next five years should look to support the UK in trialling integrated and large-scale smart grid solutions to establish their technical and economic suitability for wide scale deployment from 2015 onwards. It said that this would require: competitive customer-focused innovation; cost-effective integration of low carbon technology; end to end power system capability and flexibility; customers that play an active role in the
-supply chain; and secure and resilient supply.<ref> Wood, Janet"[http://www.utilityweek.co.uk/news/uk/electricity/strategy-group-puts-forward-ro.php ''Strategy Group puts forward route map to a 'smart' electricity grid'' 18 February 2010] Utility Weekly", accessed 15 April 2010</ref>
+supply chain; and secure and resilient supply.<ref> Wood, Janet"[http://www.utilityweek.co.uk/news/uk/electricity/strategy-group-puts-forward-ro.php ''Strategy Group puts forward route map to a 'smart' electricity grid'' 18 February 2010] Utility Week", accessed 15 April 2010</ref>
 The ENSG lists the following as smart grid group members:

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:34, 15 April 2010
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	:A Smart Grid as part of an electricity power system can intelligently integrate the actions of all users connected to it - generators, consumers and those that do both - in order to efficiently deliver sustainable, economic and secure electricity supplies.<ref>"[http://www.ensg.gov.uk/assets/ensg_smart_grid_wg_smart_grid_vision_final_issue_1.pdf A Smart Grid Vision page 5] Electricity Networks Strategy Group (ENSG)", ENSG website, accessed 24 March 2010</ref>		:A Smart Grid as part of an electricity power system can intelligently integrate the actions of all users connected to it - generators, consumers and those that do both - in order to efficiently deliver sustainable, economic and secure electricity supplies.<ref>"[http://www.ensg.gov.uk/assets/ensg_smart_grid_wg_smart_grid_vision_final_issue_1.pdf A Smart Grid Vision page 5] Electricity Networks Strategy Group (ENSG)", ENSG website, accessed 24 March 2010</ref>
		+
		+	Below is a brief description of the aims of the report, from Utility Weekly:
		+
		+	: Its new report sets out principles and a timetable that would see the UK's electricity networks change from a passive grid to an active network that can accommodate major changes such as a switch to electric cars and distributed generation. The routemap includes a framework to move from the UK's high level objectives to a set of potential pilot projects, and warns that projects should not hinder the existing programme to rollout smart meters across the country. The groups said actions taken by the industry, Government and Ofgem over the next five years should look to support the UK in trialling integrated and large-scale smart grid solutions to establish their technical and economic suitability for wide scale deployment from 2015 onwards. It said that this would require: competitive customer-focused innovation; cost-effective integration of low carbon technology; end to end power system capability and flexibility; customers that play an active role in the
		+	supply chain; and secure and resilient supply.<ref> Wood, Janet"[http://www.utilityweek.co.uk/news/uk/electricity/strategy-group-puts-forward-ro.php ''Strategy Group puts forward route map to a 'smart' electricity grid'' 18 February 2010] Utility Weekly", accessed 15 April 2010</ref>

	The ENSG lists the following as smart grid group members:		The ENSG lists the following as smart grid group members:

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:24, 11 April 2010
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−	:Prof Goran Strbac argued that the SQSS, which have remained largely unchanged since 1948, present a barrier to a range of other solutions that could release latent capacity from the existing network.88 Among others, these include more sophisticated system operation, such as the application of advanced network control, protection and maintenance techniques and innovative decision-making tools.89 They also include non-network solutions such as the greater role of demand in managing the electricity system as discussed in Chapter 2. This is important because these alternative approaches could not only enable the release of latent capacity from the existing transmission assets and facilitate the connection of greater amounts of wind power in the short term, but also in the longer term play a key role in the development of a smart grid.<ref>Energy and Climate Change Committee,[http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmenergy/194/194.pdf The future of Britain’s electricity networks, Second Report of Session 2009–10, Volume I ]", page 24, Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 10 February 2010, accessed 11 April 2010</ref>	+	:Prof [[Goran Strbac]] argued that the SQSS, which have remained largely unchanged since 1948, present a barrier to a range of other solutions that could release latent capacity from the existing network.88 Among others, these include more sophisticated system operation, such as the application of advanced network control, protection and maintenance techniques and innovative decision-making tools.89 They also include non-network solutions such as the greater role of demand in managing the electricity system as discussed in Chapter 2. This is important because these alternative approaches could not only enable the release of latent capacity from the existing transmission assets and facilitate the connection of greater amounts of wind power in the short term, but also in the longer term play a key role in the development of a smart grid.<ref>Energy and Climate Change Committee,[http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmenergy/194/194.pdf The future of Britain’s electricity networks, Second Report of Session 2009–10, Volume I ]", page 24, Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 10 February 2010, accessed 11 April 2010</ref>

	The Beauly-Denny transmission line, which has recently been approved by the Scottish Government, has been seen as essential by the ENSG:		The Beauly-Denny transmission line, which has recently been approved by the Scottish Government, has been seen as essential by the ENSG:

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 :Although there was a consensus between the generators and network companies in favour of significant new investment in transmission reinforcements, this view was not shared by all who gave evidence to the Committee. For example, Dr Michael Pollitt told us a key concern should be “making sure that we do not […] give network incumbent companies a licence to massively increase capacity, which might not be necessary”.84 Prof Strbac noted too that the ENSG work presents a solution that involves a ‘business as usual’ response by the industry that is a direct consequence of the existing regulatory framework.85 Although both acknowledged that investment in the network infrastructure will be needed, they also believed that, in addition to new capacity through network reinforcements, a range of other solutions that can release latent network capacity should also be considered. These include, for example, the application of a variety of operational measures, emerging local generation coming on stream, or allowing a greater role for responsive demand—all of which could substitute for network investment. A further important concern raised by Phil Baker and Dr Bridget Woodman at the University of Exeter was that existing network assets should be fully utilised before making the case for further investment.86 The GB Security and Quality of Supply Standards (SQSS) set out the criteria and methodologies that National Grid must use in the planning and operation of the electricity transmission system. In other words, they determine the level of transmission asset utilisation. Baker and Woodman told us there is scope to improve the utilisation of the existing transmission assets.87 One example could be a move towards weather-related security standards. At present around 70% of transmission faults relate to weather conditions. However, the weather is not taken into account when operating the transmission system, even though it may be possible to relax operational security standards during fair-weather conditions, and so release latent network capacity. Such an approach could significantly decrease the external costs of operating the transmission system and reduce the need for investment without posing a risk to customer supplies.<ref>Energy and Climate Change Committee,[http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmenergy/194/194.pdf The future of Britain’s electricity networks, Second Report of Session 2009–10
 Volume I ]", page 23, Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 10 February 2010, accessed 11 April 2010</ref>
 The Beauly-Denny transmission line, which has recently been approved by the Scottish Government, has been seen as essential by the ENSG:

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:18, 11 April 2010
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	:[[Goran Strbac]] of Imperial College London, said: 'We still need to see whether all of (ENSG's proposals) are actually required.' Professor Strbac is director of the government-funded Centre for Sustainable Electricity and Distributed Generation. 'Our work suggests that the existing system could potentially take much more than what the present thinking is,' he said.<ref>ENDS Report, Questions asked over future grid needs, PARLIAMENT & POLITICS; Pg. 40, May 29, 2009, accessed 18 March 2010</ref>		:[[Goran Strbac]] of Imperial College London, said: 'We still need to see whether all of (ENSG's proposals) are actually required.' Professor Strbac is director of the government-funded Centre for Sustainable Electricity and Distributed Generation. 'Our work suggests that the existing system could potentially take much more than what the present thinking is,' he said.<ref>ENDS Report, Questions asked over future grid needs, PARLIAMENT & POLITICS; Pg. 40, May 29, 2009, accessed 18 March 2010</ref>
		+
		+	:Although there was a consensus between the generators and network companies in favour of significant new investment in transmission reinforcements, this view was not shared by all who gave evidence to the Committee. For example, Dr Michael Pollitt told us a key concern should be “making sure that we do not […] give network incumbent companies a licence to massively increase capacity, which might not be necessary”.84 Prof Strbac noted too that the ENSG work presents a solution that involves a ‘business as usual’ response by the industry that is a direct consequence of the existing regulatory framework.85 Although both acknowledged that investment in the network infrastructure will be needed, they also believed that, in addition to new capacity through network reinforcements, a range of other solutions that can release latent network capacity should also be considered. These include, for example, the application of a variety of operational measures, emerging local generation coming on stream, or allowing a greater role for responsive demand—all of which could substitute for network investment. A further important concern raised by Phil Baker and Dr Bridget Woodman at the University of Exeter was that existing network assets should be fully utilised before making the case for further investment.86 The GB Security and Quality of Supply Standards (SQSS) set out the criteria and methodologies that National Grid must use in the planning and operation of the electricity transmission system. In other words, they determine the level of transmission asset utilisation. Baker and Woodman told us there is scope to improve the utilisation of the existing transmission assets.87 One example could be a move towards weather-related security standards. At present around 70% of transmission faults relate to weather conditions. However, the weather is not taken into account when operating the transmission system, even though it may be possible to relax operational security standards during fair-weather conditions, and so release latent network capacity. Such an approach could significantly decrease the external costs of operating the transmission system and reduce the need for investment without posing a risk to customer supplies.<ref>Energy and Climate Change Committee,[http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmenergy/194/194.pdf The future of Britain’s electricity networks, Second Report of Session 2009–10
		+	Volume I ]", page 23, Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 10 February 2010, accessed 11 April 2010</ref>

	The Beauly-Denny transmission line, which has recently been approved by the Scottish Government, has been seen as essential by the ENSG:		The Beauly-Denny transmission line, which has recently been approved by the Scottish Government, has been seen as essential by the ENSG:

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 *Our Electricity Transmission Network: A Vision for 2020<ref>"[http://www.ensg.gov.uk/assets/ensg_routemap_final.pdf A Vision for 2020] Electricity Networks Strategy Group (ENSG)", ENSG website, accessed 18 March 2010</ref>
-The ENSG principal argument is that in order to generate more energy from renewable sources, there needs to be a sharp increase in investment in order to increase the capacity of the electricity grid. The estimate cost of this is £4.7 billion. The government has ruled out funding this and so it appears likely that energy companies will pass on the cost to consumers, which has caused some concern (as is reported in an article for The Guardian):
+:To identify where areas of investment were required, in 2008 Ofgem and the Government asked the Electricity Networks Strategy Group (ENSG)—a senior industry group—to consider what the transmission system would need to look like to meet the 2020 targets for renewable energy. The ENSG published the first phase of its work in March 2009. It identified reinforcement work for a range of projects in areas of Scotland, Wales, East Anglia, London and the South West. It includes potential high voltage subsea cables between Scotland and the north of England along both the east and west coasts. In total, the work could amount to £4.7 billion between now and 2020. This is in addition to network investments already approved to connect renewable generation and through the current transmission price control. Combined, the cost of this work would be equivalent to the asset value of the existing transmission system—potentially the biggest grid development since the Second World War.[77] It is also worth noting that this excludes the cost of connecting future offshore wind. The report notes that provided the work is taken forward in a timely manner, subject to planning consent, the reinforcements could be delivered within the required timescales. They would be phased over the next decade with the resulting network able to accommodate between 29 and 45 gigawatts of new generating capacity.[78]<ref>"[http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmenergy/194/19406.htm ] The future of Britain's electricity networks - Energy and Climate Change Contents, Transforming transmission
 :The National Grid, which runs the transmission system in England and Wales and will pay for the bulk of the programme in the first instance, said it was government's role to provide the right framework of policies rather than pay directly for it. "We can recover the costs in the same way that we do all our other investments," said a Grid spokesman, who admitted it could need to spend as much as £9bn overall on changes to the network.

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 The [[Electricity Networks Strategy Group]] (ENSG) says it provides
 :a high level forum which brings together key stakeholders in electricity networks that work together to support government in meeting the long-term energy challenges of tackling climate change and ensuring secure, clean and affordable energy.<ref>[http://www.ensg.gov.uk/ The ENSG Home Page], ENSG website, accessed 25 October 2009</ref>
-ENSG is chaired by [[Ofgem]] (which regulates the electricity and gas markets in the UK) and the UK government's [[Department of Energy and Climate Change]] (DECC). It is made up of energy companies and government departments relating to energy networks.  The stated aim is to 'support government in meeting the long-term energy challenges of tackling climate change and ensuring secure, clean and affordable energy.'<ref>ENSG, "[http://www.ensg.gov.uk/index.php?article=2 ENSG homepage]", ENSG homepage. Accessed 26/03/09</ref>
+ENSG is chaired by [[Ofgem]] (which regulates the electricity and gas markets in the UK) and the UK government's [[Department of Energy and Climate Change]] (DECC). It is made up of energy companies and government departments relating to energy networks.  The stated aim is to 'support government in meeting the long-term energy challenges of tackling climate change and ensuring secure, clean and affordable energy.'<ref> "[http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmenvaud/460/7042402.htm Examination of Witnesses (Questions 86 - 99)
 It was formed in 2003,<ref>[http://www.ensg.gov.uk/index.php?article=2 The ENSG Home Page], ENSG website, accessed 15 Feb 2010</ref> and reformed in 2008.<ref>[http://www.ensg.gov.uk/index.php?article=119 Reconstituted Electricity Networks Strategy Group], ENSG website, accessed 15 Feb 2010</ref>

@@ Line 58: / Line 58: @@
 :Energy and Climate Change Minister Mike O’Brien said, ‘This report marks the start of the electricity grid’s makeover to accommodate new low carbon power generation which is needed by 2020.
-‘This is a massive long term investment opportunity and this upgrade work will help support jobs across the low carbon economy.
+‘This is a massive long term investment opportunity and this upgrade work will help support jobs across the low carbon economy. ‘Having a grid which is fit for purpose is vital for our ambitions to cut carbon emissions and increase security of supply,’ he added. <ref>New Energy World Network,[http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/alternative-energy-knowledge-bank/report-sets-out-2020-vision-of-uk-electricity-grid.html Report sets out 2020 vision of UK electricity grid]", published 5th March 2009, accessed 11 April 2010</ref>
 ==Affiliations==