UK Power Networks - Low Carbon London

Summary

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:

Demand Side Response and Distributed Generation
Electrification of Heat and Transport
Network Planning
Future Distribution System Operator

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)

Summary Report

Electrification of Heat and Transport

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.

B1 Impact and opportunities for wide-scale Electric Vehicle deployment

B2 Impact of Electric Vehicles and Heat Pump loads on network demand profiles

B3 Impact of Low Voltage - connected low carbon technologies on Power Quality

B4 Impact of Low Voltage - connected low carbon technologies on network utilisation

B5 Opportunities for smart optimisation of new heat and transport loads

Demand Side Response & Distributed Generation

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.

A10 Smart appliances for residential demand response

A1 Residential Demand Side Response for outage management and as an alternative to network reinforcement

A2 Residential consumer attitudes to time-varying pricing

A3 Residential consumer responsiveness to time-varying pricing

A4 Industrial and Commercial Demand Side Response for outage management and as an alternative to network reinforcement

A5 Conflicts and synergies of Demand Side Response

A6 Network impacts of supply-following Demand Side Response

A7 Distributed Generation and Demand Side Response services for smart Distribution Networks

A8 Distributed Generation addressing security of supply and network reinforcement requirements

A9 Facilitating Distributed Generation connections

Network Planning

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.

C1 Use of smart meter information for network planning and operation

C2 Impact of energy efficient appliances on network utilisation

C3 Network impacts of energy efficiency at scale

C4 Network state estimation and optimal sensor placement

C5 Accessibility and validity of smart meter data

Future Distribution System Operator

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.