Our SP Energy Networks flexibility team recently travelled to the Cwm Rheidol valley in the Ceredigion region of Mid-Wales to visit one of our providers supporting our network with operational flexibility, turning up or turning down their power generation to support network requirements. Currently owned and operated by Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy, the Rheidol Hydropower Plant entered operations in the early 1960s and currently has an annual production of 93 GWh, enough to power around 3523,500 homes in the SP Energy Networks area with clean, green electricity.
What is operational flexibility?
Operational flexibility is when a network operator, such as SP Energy Networks responds to changes in electricity demand and generation. This method of managing power demand is particularly crucial as we integrate more renewables on the system such as wind and solar which rely on the weather and power generation can vary. At SP Energy Networks, we procure Operational Flexibility to manage planned or unplanned outage on the network. This can either be procured ahead of time or refined closer to the event. Flexibility Service Providers can be paid when the service is utilised or be paid to be on standby should an event occur.
How are we working with Statkraft?
Statkraft’s Rheidol Hydropower Scheme is just one of our operational flexibility providers and SP Energy Networks work with them to provide standby generation availability and post fault generation turn up, essentially providing additional generation when it is needed most on the distribution network. For example, it can be used as a contingency during planned works in the event of an outage for customers, to ensure we continue to provide them with a reliable electricity supply. This can also benefit the end customer as the cost of managing the system is reduced as well as protecting against the risk of loss of supply.
What does this mean for customers?
Throughout 2024 we have contracted flexibility with Statkraft to support the reinforcement of the network between Aberystwyth and Barmouth. Rheidol will be ready to respond in the event of a fault during these planned reinforcement works as the network will be more reliant on a single 132kV overhead line circuit. Through this partnership we are able to restore power in the event of an outage, potentially within 30 minutes. Flexibility therefore allows for more capacity and support with planned works, it makes our network more resilient and can reduce disruption for customers.
What does this mean for the future?
This scheme has shown how operational flexibility can be successfully used to manage network events through the utilisation of local renewable resources. As we transition to a Distribution System Operator (DSO), we must explore ways to support the network during planned and unplanned events. Flexibility allows us to provide our customers with a more secure and robust electricity network as demand on the network increases, while providing flexibility providers the opportunity to earn additional revenue from their assets.
“The team and I are excited about this practical example of flexibility and how it demonstrates the way we can work with industry partners to manage network risk, reducing the potential impact on our customers. For me this is a real example of the DSO at work using commercial solutions to manage an evolving network. It was great to meet the team at the Rheidol site and we were blown away by the scale of site (162 square kilometres) and the natural beauty of the Cwm Rheidol valley. ” – Gerard Boyd – Head of Flexibility
If you’d like to read more about our flexibility strategy or have assets that you would like to register please visit our flexibility site or our flexibility platform partners Piclo Flex.