North East's smart grid project stages energy industry event

Electricity distribution network operators from across the UK visited Darlington earlier this month to hear how one Northeast-based project is helping Great Britain move towards a low carbon economy.

More than fifty attendees heard how the Customer-Led Network Revolution (CLNR) – the largest smart grid project in the UK – is trialling a range of innovative new smart grid technology that could enable greater uptake of renewables and low carbon technologies like electric cars and solar panels.

Northern Powergrid is leading the CLNR project, working collaboratively with British Gas, EA Technology, Durham University and Newcastle University.

Dr Liz Sidebotham, from Northern Powergrid, said: “This is a hugely important project for the GB electricity industry and at our recent event we were able to showcase some of the ground-breaking work we are doing in this region.

“Northern Powergrid is the network operator for the Northeast and Yorkshire, but there are several other network operators across the UK, who are responsible for keeping the lights on and ensuring electricity networks are fit for purpose. This event was designed to share some of the knowledge we have gained so far, helping our peers make informed decisions about the changes they can make to cost-effectively facilitate the low carbon transition.

“Customers are at the very heart of the CLNR project and during this recent event we looked at a range of solutions, from innovative technologies to customer flexibility that could help accelerate the move towards a low carbon future whilst ensuring customers continue to receive a safe, secure and affordable supply of electricity.

“As part of the event, a tour of the largest energy storage installation in Europe, part of a network of six batteries being trialled in the project, gave delegates an insight into the scale of the project.

“We’re thrilled that so many of our energy industry colleagues were able to join us, it’s a really exciting time for us to show off the smart grid expertise we have built up here in the Northeast.”