Internet service for planning
distributed generation connections
Imass,
a leading provider of integrated IT solutions to
the Utility Sector, is pleased to announce a
groundbreaking project, part-funded by the UK
Department of Trade and Industry, to research and
develop a national internet service to support the
planning and connection to the grid of distributed
generation.
Using advanced internet and Geographical
Information System (GIS) technologies the service
will provide an accurate view of the current state
of the distribution network and the plans for
future development of the network as a result of
new connections and planned replacement works.
Imass’ collaborator on this project is
Econnect Ltd. Econnect is a leading independent
specialist in the grid integration of renewable
energy, and will be providing the grid connection
assessment services for the project.
The project duration is 20 months, from April
2004 to November 2005 and will deliver a pilot
service.
Objectives
-
To enable Distribution Network
Operators (DNOs) to signal network
capabilities and development intentions in
their operational areas.
-
To assist potential generators,
developers and other interested parties with
identification and evaluation of connection
opportunities for given sites.
-
To provide a shared view of
projects proposed, in progress or on-line, and
to show progress against targets at national,
regional and local levels.
Project Summary
Although the service will eventually cover the
entire UK network, the project will focus on a
small number of selected areas of network. These
sections of network will be modelled in detail.
Imass also plan to publish technical details of
potential sites as a signal to developers.
Evaluation
services will be provided on the web-site for both
qualitative and quantitative interpretation of
connection opportunities at the specified site.
Imass plan to involve a wide range of
interested parties. Their input will be key in
determining the detailed content of the service
and the look and feel of the website.
In the future we would like to introduce
further services on the web site that will support
the planning and development process.
Project Benefits
Developers
will have access to consistent network data
regardless of geographic area using a ‘one-stop
shop’ for connection information, supplemented
by on-line analysis tools to interpret the data.
DNOs will be
able to signal to potential generators and other
interested parties their development intentions or
network capabilities. It is anticipated that this
will provide a focus for automation of the
production of Long Term Development Statements
(LC25), through the introduction of data exchange
standards.
DTI and OFGEM
will be provided with a national overview of
current progress against renewable obligation
targets, and a service with which to record
Registered Power Zones. Use of an internet service
and open standards will promote a level
playing-field for exchange of network information.
Regional development agencies and
local authorities will be provided with local
overviews of progress against targets.
All parties
will benefit from the introduction of a faster and
more efficient process with shared visibility of
existing and proposed projects.
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