A geographically disaggregated approach to integrate low-carbon technologies across local electricity networks

As the UK aims for net zero, the shift to electric heat and transport poses challenges for electricity networks. Researchers from Imperial College London have mapped and estimated network impacts across 40,000 local areas in Great Britain, exploring solutions through local flexibility.

Among the key findings of the article, written by the GREEN Research Fellow Chiara Candelise with Sheridan Few, Predrag Djapic, and Goran Strbac, Jenny Nelson, are:

• Urban areas face higher network upgrade costs due to more meters connected per transformer and expensive underground cable replacements. 
• Rural areas, with overhead cables, incur lower costs. Introducing local flexibility measures, such as distributed storage and demand side management, can significantly reduce upgrade costs. This is particularly effective in densely populated areas like central London.

The study suggests targeted flexibility deployment, guided by geographical data, can lower network upgrade costs. This method can shape incentives and regulations for low-carbon technologies and help local authorities develop viable net zero plans. Future collaboration with network companies and local authorities could refine this approach further.

Read the article at the following link:

27.05.2024 Nature Energy | A geographically disaggregated approach to integrate low-carbon technologies across local electricity networks