Energy regulator, Ofgem, has approved a project to demonstrate the potential of using offshore wind to provide 'black start' restoration services to the electricity grid, proposed by a consortium led by SP Energy Networks (SP).

'Black start' is the better known name for Active Electricity System Restoration Service – the procedure used to restore power in the event of a total or partial shutdown of the electricity transmission system – and which has traditionally relied on fossil fuels like coal and gas.

The BLADE Black Start Demonstration from Offshore Wind project – funded through the Strategic Innovation Fund and supported by UKRI/IUK – will explore how offshore wind can transform that process and maximise the benefits of the huge amount of green electricity that will be produced in UK waters to push power on to the network in the event of a shutdown.

It follows our groundbreaking work in the demonstration of black start services from distributed energy resources at Dersalloch windfarm in South Ayrshire, where the world's first grid restart from onshore wind was achieved in 2020 in conjunction with ScottishPower Renewables.

BLADE's discovery phase will investigate the technology, capabilities and protocols that would be needed for offshore wind to deliver these services to the grid, and will be used to shape modelling and demonstration work in later phases.

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Also awarded funding from the SIF is the D-Suite project, being led by us in partnership with UK Power Networks, Integrated Powertech and Newcastle University. The project will explore the feasibility of deploying new applications of proven HV power-electronic technology, onto the LV distribution network, to support the increasing use of low-carbon technologies by customers.

The ultimate aim of the project is to create a toolkit of innovative devices – for network planners and design engineers – that will help future-proof the network as record numbers of electric vehicles, distributed energy resources and heat pumps are connected to our system.

Scott Mathieson, Regulation and Commercial Director at SP Energy Networks said: "Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at SP Energy Networks and we're very proud that we're continuing to lead the way in creating the decarbonised modern electricity system we need for a cleaner and greener future – and this has been recognised by Ofgem.

"With our partners, these projects will allow us to push the boundaries on the art of the possible, bringing together the best of academia, science and technology to deliver the smart and resilient grid that will help us achieve net zero.

"These are hugely exciting projects that could provide a real watershed moment for the energy industry and take us on leaps and bounds. I can't wait to see what they will achieve."

The BLADE consortium includes Strathclyde University, SHE Transmission and the Carbon Trust, which is representing nine windfarm developers who are partners in the Offshore Wind Accelerator programme.

Tobias Verfuss, Offshore Wind Associate Director at the Carbon Trust, said: "The decarbonisation of the energy system requires renewable energies to provide more and more energy system services which are currently provided by conventional power generation units.

"The SIF BLADE project will investigate how offshore wind farms can enhance energy system security by supplying black-start capacity and contributing to grid restoration in the event of power cuts. This will make the energy system future fit for the transition to renewable energies."