National Grid pilots emissions reduction mechanisms at Deeside innovation center
The UK’s National Grid Electricity Transmission has partnered with technology firms Rawwater, Cemfree and Hitachi Energy to pilot solutions that can help the grid operator reduce emissions within its operations.
The technologies are being tested at the grid operator’s Center of Innovation at Deeside as part of the utility’s efforts to implement innovative solutions that can help the company move closer to its net-zero target.
National Grid Electricity Transmission is trialing Rawwater’s M3 Molten Metal Manipulation technology to seal Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) leakages on its pipelines.
SF6 is used to avoid short circuits and improve the safety of the transmission lines, however, leakages of the gas is harmful to the environment, according to a statement.
The utility is using the spray technology to access difficult-to-access areas of the grid network. The solution enables National Grid Electricity Transmission to address SF6 leaks without the need to switch off services.
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The transmission network operator is also working with Hitachi Energy to replace SF6 in existing high-voltage equipment with a greener alternative. Deeside Innovation Center is Europe’s first where technologies can be tested to voltages of up to 600KV at an off-grid substation, according to a statement.
Kat Lennox, Managing Director of Rawwater Applied Technology, said: “There are countless SF6 installations in electricity generation and supply globally. Even though the phase-out of SF6 is planned around the world and alternative gases exist for gas-insulated switchgear, it will be many years before this highly insulating greenhouse gas is eradicated from electricity supply networks. Until that day, a rapidly deployable solution is required to seal or mitigate SF6 leaks. This successful trial gives us confidence that Rawwater’s M3 Molten Metal Manipulation is part of the answer.”
With Cemfree, National Grid Electricity Transmission is piloting the firm’s new low-carbon concrete mixture technology which, according to the owner, has a carbon footprint of 80% less than conventional types.
The pilot focuses on the behaviour of the concrete on-site and its long-term durability to identify the differences in performance between Cemfree and conventional concretes. The utility is testing two large-scale slabs (~50m3).
Some strips have been casted with probes to detect any early corrosion of reinforcement. The aim is to obtain real-world experience using the product with a view to future use on substations and throughout the wider construction industry.
So far, Cemfree’s solution applied on one slab foundation at Deeside has saved approximately 13 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions when compared to a Portland 100% cement binder. These savings could be magnified by increased adoption in the UK construction industry, which uses circa 20 million m3 of ready mix concrete each year.
Adam Gittins, Cemfree’s Commercial Manager, added: “It’s been a fantastic opportunity to partner with National Grid at Deeside. Innovation is challenging, especially in construction, as the benefits of any new technology are constantly at odds with the perceived risks.”
National Grid is using the Innovation Center to speed up the energy transition and save households and businesses up to £300 million ($402.6 million) by 2050.
