NExT sets out to raise the standard of the entire power network, delivering smoother, more reliable performance for everyone who depends on it. By actively managing voltage in real time, it helps prevent avoidable equipment issues and strengthens customers’ trust in the stability of their supply. At the same time, it unlocks valuable extra capacity across the network, offering a smart, cost‑effective alternative to heavy reinforcement.
What is the project about?
NExT is being developed to help the low‑voltage network adapt as more low‑carbon technologies connect to the grid. These technologies perform best when voltage stays steady, so improving how the network responds to changing demand and local generation is becoming increasingly important. Traditional approaches manage all three phases together, which can limit how flexibly the network can operate. By taking a more responsive approach, NExT helps unlock extra capacity, supports the health of network equipment, and creates a smoother, more reliable experience for customers and users of new energy technologies.
How we’re doing it
The NExT project is focused on trialling a new power‑electronic device called the Network Exchanger (NEx). Fitted to secondary transformers, the NEx gives the network a much higher level of control by independently managing how power flows on each phase. This allows for more accurate voltage regulation, better balancing across phases, improved power factor, and reduced electrical disturbance — all helping the network respond more dynamically to changing conditions.
The trials will take place at five secondary sites across UK Power Networks’ licence areas. In the first phase, the NEx units will be built and thoroughly tested to confirm they are ready for safe deployment on the live network. At the same time, suitable trial sites will be identified, and work will begin to prepare each location for installation.
In the second phase, the NEx units will be installed at the five selected sites. Once in place, the sites will be monitored to understand how the NEx performs in real‑world conditions and whether it delivers improvements in power quality, network resilience, and available capacity. If the trial proves successful, the technology will move into business‑as‑usual use within UK Power Networks’ operations.
What makes it innovative
The NEx is a first‑of‑its‑kind innovation that makes it possible to retrofit advanced power‑electronic control onto existing network transformers. By effectively turning a traditional transformer into a smart, flexible asset, it enables more efficient operation of the network. The NEx can actively manage power flows across phases, keep voltages within ideal ranges and reduce the need for disruptive and costly network upgrades.
What we’re learning
During the project, we expect to gain valuable insights in three key areas:
Technical performance: How the NEx operates under real‑world network conditions and how effectively it delivers the expected benefits.
Retrofit feasibility: Which transformer types and substation layouts are best suited for NEx installation, and what practical considerations come with retrofitting.
Operational integration: How the NEx works alongside existing control systems and what processes, tools, and safety measures are needed to deploy and operate it efficiently.
Share your ideas
If you have an idea that could reshape or revolutionise the way we work, we want to hear from you.
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