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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA2_NGESO029
Title	DER Visibility
Status	Completed
Energy Categories	Other Power and Storage Technologies(Electricity transmission and distribution) 100%;
Research Types	Applied Research and Development 100%
Science and Technology Fields	PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Computer Science and Informatics) 80%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) 20%;
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation	Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator	Project Contact No email address given National Grid plc
Award Type	Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source	Ofgem
Start Date	01 March 2023
End Date	31 May 2023
Duration	ENA months
Total Grant Value	£100,000
Industrial Sectors	Power
Region	London
Programme	Network Innovation Allowance
Investigators	Principal Investigator	Project Contact , National Grid plc (100.000%)
	Industrial Collaborator	Project Contact , National Grid plc (0.000%)
Web Site	https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA2_NGESO029
Objectives	"This project brings together an experienced team of subject matter experts from the Hartree Centre, with significant experience in data analysis and software development. Phase 1 of the project will comprise of 4 main work packages: WP1: Understanding the sources and formats of currently available data This will consist of a data mapping exercise to understand the current sources of DER data. This will involve engaging a range of stakeholders across the industry to ensure that all possible data sources are identified and mapped. WP2: Understanding the volume, velocity and variability of the data needed to achieve the core user-stories, and related data access methods and standards This WP will continue engagement with key stakeholders to further understand the sources of available data including, access, methods and security standards that will need to be implemented in any future projects. WP3: Understanding the relevant technology mappings and the likely system architecture needed to implement the core user stories WP3 will utilise the information gained from WP1 and 2 to begin mapping out the most efficient solutions for aggregating the data and presenting it in a useful format that can be accessed by the ESO and wider network licensees. WP4: Establishing a clear understanding of the Phase 2 feasibility and requirementsWP4 will focus on defining what could be achieved in Phase 2 regarding developing a software tool. At this stage all the data compiled earlier in the project will be reviewed and a decision will made on whether to progress with Phase 2 of the project. The main tasks for Phase 1 are listed below: Research and literature review. Client and stakeholder interviews and discussions. Understanding the sources of data currently available Determine the core project stakeholders, user personas and special end-user pre-requisites for the phase-2 project.Establish the core user-stories for Phase 2 Understand the volume, velocity, variability (VVV) of the data needed to achieve the core user-stories, and related data access methods and standards.Determine the current As-Is scenario and the ideal To-Be scenario for a longer-term project.Understand the relevant technology mappings and the likely system architecture needed to implement the core user-stories.Determine the data-security requirements and GDPR obligations. Estimate the required effort profiles needed to implement the main project. Agree a feasible Cup-cake roadmap from small, medium to full-MVP build. Document the main risks and mitigations. In line with the ENAs ENIP document, the risk rating is scored Low. TRL Steps = 1 (1 TRL step)Cost = 1 (£100k)Suppliers = 1 (1 supplier)Data Assumptions = 2Total = 5 (Low) " "There is an Increasing volume of service providers connected to distribution networks which are seen as key enablers in unlocking flexibility on the network. Whereas previously they have had a relatively small impact, we are now seeing this growing rapidly. Although there is some data on DERs, a lot of the information is siloed or in formats that are not easily implemented into existing processes. One of the key challenges is increased DER operational visibility being made available to industry stakeholders. The proposed project will be split into two phases; the first phase will consist of engaging industry stakeholders internally and externally to understand what sources of DER data are currently available, where the data is stored, datasecurity requirements and how easily accessible it is. It will also look at potential use cases for the data and how different industry organisations could use it. If then deemed that there is sufficiently accessible data, the second phase of the project will look at potential ways to aggregate the data and develop a tool that could be used across the industry to increase the visibility of DER data such as utilisation, locations, power outputs etc. It also looks to develop a forecasting tool to highlight when and where new DERs could be used for flexibility on the network. " "Analyse the various data sources, their granularity, accessibility and security requirements. If deemed that the appropriate data sources are accessible, Phase 2 will: Develop a tool to map the DERs by both geographical and grid location, forecast the likelihood of more appearing in various locations, and approximating when they will be connected to the grid, power outputs, utilisation, and accessibility. "
Abstract	The energy industry is rapidly transforming from a one-way centralised grid to a highly distributed two-way electricity network. Currently there is limited visibility and data pertaining to Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) (e.g., power outputs, utilisation, locations) or forecasts for when new DERs will be connected. This is hampering the efficient transition to a low-cost, high-renewable electricity network. The ESO is utilising DNO data, however some information remains siloed and is in a range of formats, making it difficult to integrate into ESO processes. Therefore, it is necessary to understand what data sources are available and how they can be aggregated to better plan and provide increased flexibility.
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	01/11/23