UK Power Networks partners with GE Vernova to deliver the world's first smart substation Customer Story Bar Share Outcomes 17.8Million tons of carbon emissions expected saved by 2050 RenewablesFacilitate Rise of Renewables across the UK Smart substationWorld-first smart substation project Load More Customer Information Introduction Company UK Power Networks Products Renewables Management, Advanced Energy Management System (AEMS), Wide Area Monitoring System (WAMS), GridOS Orchestration Software As the share of renewables in the electricity mix continues to grow, network operators are looking at ways to integrate them into the distribution network more efficiently. UK Power Networks is partnering with GE Vernova on a world-first smart substation project designed to optimize utilization of the distribution network to facilitate the rise of renewable energy generation across the United Kingdom.Known as Constellation, the project aims to release 1.4 GW of capacity (enough to power more than 700,000 homes) and save consumers more than £750 million by 2050. It is also forecast to save more than 17.8M tons of harmful greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.Smart substations optimize distribution network utilization and contribute to net-zero targetsConstellation is a world-first innovation project that will see powerful computers installed in a series of substations, turning them into smart substations. It provides a unique approach to distribution network management through decentralized operation using data analytics and machine learning, reducing reliance on communications to and from the central control systemsA key aspect of Constellation is the installation of GE Vernova’s PhasorController in substations to enable the deployment of multiple smart applications. This will include functionality to optimize distribution network utilization and contribute to net-zero targets while reducing the need for investment in additional infrastructure. UK Power Networks is adapting to increasingly complex power flows by becoming smarter so we can safely release more capacity and enable more renewable energy to connect at lower cost – saving customers money and helping the environment at the same time.Ian Cameron - Head of Customer Services and Innovation, UK Power Networks "We already have smart control rooms and grid edge devices like smart electric vehicle chargers. Having smart substations in the middle pulling it all together is a logical next step,” said Mr. Cameron.PhasorController distributes intelligence and control to the substation and Distributed Energy Resource (DER) connections to complement the existing central control, providing resilience and continuity of DER operation when communications links are unavailable. The solution uses data analytics and machine learning (ML) to incorporate data from periods when communication and the network is managed normally. This “trains” machine learning models centrally and distributes the models to the local renewable generation controls, so they are ready to go live if/when communications are lost.By using data and smarter substations, UK Power Networks can facilitate more sustainable energy and continue to deliver a secure and reliable network for customers.Read press release:UK Power Networks will drive net zero outcomesRead the article in T&D World:UK Power Networks Deploys Outage Restoration Tool