SSEN trials dynamic load averaging to connect more low carbon tech
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British network operator SSEN is trialling ‘Community Smart Access’, using dynamic load averaging to support increased takeup of low carbon tech, such as EVs, solar panels and heat pumps in new-build housing developments.
Together with the Local Energy Markets Alliance (LEMA), the Community Smart Access option aims to manage electricity demand locally, while longer-term reinforcements to the electricity system are completed.
Community Smart Access will use Dynamic Load Averaging (DLA), a type of advanced energy management technology used to optimise and balance load among devices, to accelerate the deployment of low carbon technologies.
In a release, SSEN states that although the growing uptake of these technologies is needed, their increasing load and power demand constrains the network. Hence, Community Smart Access and its dynamic load averaging, designed to enable SSEN to procure and pay for flexibility services they know will be needed once a new housing estate is built, enabling construction to go ahead, even in areas where the grid is more congested.
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Commenting in a release was Nigel Bessant, SSEN Distribution’s head of network operations: “The UK and Scottish Governments both want to see more new homes built, while also decarbonising the grid. A massive part of getting to net zero involves moving away from gas boilers and cars powered by fossil fuels to low-carbon alternatives like heat pumps and EVs.
“Community Smart Access gives us a new option to accelerate the connection of new housing, with customers benefiting from Low Carbon Technologies like heat pumps, EV chargers, rooftop solar panels and battery storage.
“LEMA members Traxis Energy, ElectraLink and Gemserv have collaborated with us to turn the Dynamic Load Averaging concept into an effective, efficient, scalable proposition, to be trialled this year, after which we hope it can be adopted more widely.”
Added Simon Anderson, CEO of LEMA: “The DLA is a crucial accelerator in the race to unlock congested grids and enable the development of much-needed all-electric homes. Local energy infrastructure is a fundamental enabler for building 1.5 million new homes and a dozen new towns.
“At the same time, building well-insulated all-electric homes as part of greening the grid is a fantastic opportunity to also minimise energy bills, maximise sustainability and enhance energy security. Amplifying flexibility is the way to achieve this, which is what the Dynamic Load Averaging Service is designed to achieve.”
SSEN says the service is being developed to build on – and align with – industry developments, including their Access Products and Flexibility Services, detailed in SSEN’s Flexibility Roadmap.
