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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA2_NGESO038
Title	Whole Energy System Network Planning Review
Status	Completed
Energy Categories	Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research(Energy system analysis) 100%;
Research Types	Applied Research and Development 100%
Science and Technology Fields	ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) 100%
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation	Systems Analysis related to energy R&D (Other Systems Analysis) 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 July 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_NGESO038
Objectives	"The project will be delivered through a multiphase approach: Phase 1 Phase 1 which will be a desk-based study focussing on four areas related to whole energy system analysis and (electricity and gas) vector-coupling: 1) Policy and Regulation 2) Project Level Examples 3) Academia and 4) Thought Leadership. The outcomes from this phase are expected to be draft use cases of typical whole energy system optimisation problems that the FSO will need to solve. An initial view of the principles of whole energy system coordination, to be tested with stakeholders, that would maximise synergies across vectors and deliver the most efficient and economic outcome for UK plc. Phase 2 Based on the outcomes of Phase 1, the second phase will prepare material outlining use cases and draft principles for the FSO. Key stakeholder engagement will take place to test ideas and obtain feedback to enhance thoughts on use cases, fundamental principles, and implementation requirements for the FSO. The outcome from Phase 2 will be cross-industry perspectives of the opportunities and challenges associated with whole energy system analysis. Phase 3 This final phase will build on insights from the previous two phases to refine the use cases and set out the guiding principles for whole energy system coordination that the ESO can follow in its transition to FSO. A set of use cases will be refined that articulate where and how these multi-vectors interact, which (types of) stakeholders are involved, what (innovative) technologies and solutions this involves, highlighting key barriers and/or dependencies as well as possible synergies. From the use cases we will identify the type of decisions an FSO will need to make regarding trade-offs between electricity and gas, to optimise infrastructure delivery and operation, as well as to optimise the decision-making by investors, infrastructure providers and market participants. These will inform the principles for whole energy system optimisation to be followed by the FSO. Finally, gaps will be identified in evidence and analytical requirements in both the electricity and gas sectors to inform potential further work required, covering heating, power generation, power-to-gas and gas-to-power, transport and short/medium/long-term energy storage. The outcome for Phase 3 will be a report setting out: An overview of best practice on whole energy system analysis and design;Use cases for typical whole systems optimisation problems; Proposed principles for whole energy system coordination/optimisation by the FSO; Defined gaps in evidence for the full spectrum of technologies/solutions to be considered;Recommendations regarding future projects to expand the evidence base for whole energy system coordination In line with the ENAs ENIP document, the risk rating is scored Low.  TRL Steps = 2 (TRL 1- TRL3)Cost = 1 (£100k) Suppliers = 1 (1 Supplier) Data Assumptions = 1 Total = 5 (Low) " "The purpose of this project is to understand what the different options are for undertaking whole energy system planning across multiple energy vectors, as well as to establish the principles of whole energy network planning. Activities will include: Research and analysis: Undertaking desk-based research seeking international evidence in regulation, project innovation, and academia as the basis for research into the best practice on whole energy system analysis and design – informing draft use cases and an initial set of principles forwhole energy system planning. Stakeholder Workshops: Engagement with a range of sector representatives to test and enhance use cases. Exploring the synergies that can be obtained in the cross-sector management and delivery of energy projects, to enable the energy transition efficiently and economically. Analysis and Reporting: Updated use cases and identification of trade-offs in the decision-making process and a refined principles for the analysis. Also, to include gap analysis in current evidence base for optimisation across vectors and technologies, and recommendations for ESO to close gaps going forward and position the FSO role for maximum impact and efficiency. Delivery in the form of report. " "The primary objective of this project is to gain an understanding on the options available for undertaking whole energy analysis. This is supported by: Delivery of results from desktop research into what is already doneStakeholder engagement effectively undertaken throughout the projectDelivery of findings through a cohesive, publicly shareable, report "
Abstract	Reaching net zero will require a significant coordinated effort, of which system planning and network development will be a key part. Should the Future System Operator (FSO) take on the role of a whole energy system planner, it must be able to coordinate across multiple energy vectors and plan the system and networks of the future. More effective strategic network planning performed in a whole energy system way can lower the costs of the net zero transition and deliver significant consumer savings. Developing whole energy system planning will not be a simple process and will require careful consideration, engagement and coordination across the energy industry. This project will undertake research into what the options are for performing whole energy network planning across multiple energy vectors (e.g. electricity, gas, hydrogen, CCUS).
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	01/11/23