GB’s SP Energy Networks acquires digital twin tech company

Iberdrola subsidiary SP Energy Networks has acquired the Glasgow-based private technology company Derryherk.

The acquisition follows a successful licence agreement between the two companies with the development and implementation of digital twin modelling and associated functionality on SP Energy Networks’ network, according to a statement.

The digital twin technology aims to improve data connectivity to support SP Energy Network’s net zero ambition in areas including enabling innovative network fault detection, forecasting capacity constraint and providing active management of the low voltage network.

“The electricity network is critical to electrifying and decarbonising the economy to support a net zero future,” comments Guy Jefferson, SP Energy Networks’ chief operating officer.

“This technology will take us another step forward in building the smart grid of the future that will power cleaner and greener lives.”

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Derryherk, which was formed in 2014, appears to have gone under the radar as a company.

Its directors were Ciaran Higgins, an engineer with an interest in GIS-based energy planning approaches, who had held positions previously with Scottish Power and Craighall Energy, and Elizabeth McCombe, a community learning worker.

The new directors following the acquisition are Craig Arthur, SP Distribution Director at SP Energy Networks, and Douglas Ness, Control Director – Energy Wholesale at Scottish Power.

The acquisition continues Iberdrola’s growth in the UK through its ScottishPower businesses, with investment of £12 billion (US$16 billion) previously committed between 2024-2028.

This has been boosted by the recent signing of agreements to acquire a majority share of Electricity North West, which – subject to the standard authorisations – would result in SP Energy Networks becoming the second largest electricity network operator in Britain.

Since its merging with ScottishPower in 2007, Iberdrola records having invested around £30 billion ($40 billion) in the UK.