Overview:
UK Power Networks has completed Low Carbon London, its £28m, 4 year innovation project to investigate the impact of a wide range of low carbon technologies on London’s electricity distribution network. Low Carbon London has delivered successfully in accordance with the requirements of Ofgem’s Low Carbon Networks Fund, facilitating the development of viable solutions for Distribution Network Operators to support the low carbon transition in the UK.
The extensive research, trials and analysis undertaken as part of the Low Carbon London project have been documented and are now being published for the benefit of the entire industry. The reports are split across a number of distinct themes:
Links to all the Low Carbon London reports are provided below. Each report sits within the relevant theme, making it easier for you to navigate to your areas of interest. We have also published a Summary Report.
We are pleased to share a very significant dataset that was collected during the Low Carbon London project. Residential Smart Meter and Dynamic Time-of-Use data from the project has been made available for download here. (note these files are extremely large)
The Low Carbon London analysis has allowed us to quantify the impacts of new electrical heating and transport loads on the distribution network. Specifically, we have explored the potential power quality impacts on the network, which will allow for improved load forecasting, planning and connection of new low carbon technologies. Through the trials, we have demonstrated that, in a future when there are significant penetration levels of low carbon technologies, Heat Pumps will be less suitable for smart optimisation, whilst active control of Electric Vehicles will present Distribution Network Operators with a significant opportunity for smart optimisation.
As part of our integrated set of trials, throughout Low Carbon London we have assessed how Distribution Network Operators can utilise Demand Side Response services from industrial and commercial customers to defer capital expenditure or to manage network constraints during construction and maintenance outages. We have also evaluated the response rate of residential customers to dynamic Time of Use tariffs, and determined how Distributed Generation and Active Network Management could enhance Security of Supply on our distribution network. This extensive research and analysis of trial data is presented across ten detailed reports which provide a comprehensive review of the impact Demand Side Response and Distributed Generation have on distribution networks.
As part of our investigation into network planning and operation, Low Carbon London focused on two main areas: how smart meter data can be used to better understand the way in which customers contribute to network load, and the potential savings from energy efficient appliances, both at the household level and at scale. This analysis provides new understanding of our network performance and delivers an insight to how Distribution Network Operators will benefit from using smart meter data in the future. We have also reclassified household demand groups based on current demographics and technology use. We recommend that the consumer specific load and efficiency savings profiles from Low Carbon London are applied to the unique consumer demographics of each Distribution Network Operators to enhance future network planning.
During the London Carbon London project we trialled many new innovative smart solutions. To aid the transition from proof-of-concept to a wide scale roll-out, we assessed the technical and commercial challenges that the industry faces to unlock the benefits that these solutions can bring. This has provided us with real insight into the fundamental requirements to facilitate the operation and design of distribution networks in a low carbon future.