SP Energy Networks has achieved a global first, with the successful completion of the first phase of a £4.4 million trial demonstrating how the electricity network can be restored at a faster pace using only renewable energy in the unlikely event of a major power outage.

The innovative Synergy project – trialled in Dumfries & Galloway – comes as demand for electricity continues to increase as more and more homes and businesses make the move to low-carbon technology like electric vehicles and heat pumps.

We, at SP Energy Networks, partnered with GE and power generation company Drax for the first phase of the trial, which used a small group of renewable sources including hydro and, wind, to kickstart the network locally.

The trial – funded by Ofgem's Green Recovery Fund – builds on years of research and offers a unique alternative to traditional ‘black start' restoration approaches which rely on fossil fuels including large-scale coal and gas power stations. Black start is the process of restoring power in the event of a total or partial shutdown of the energy transmission system.

For the trial, our team connected a hydro generator at Drax's Kendoon Power Station to power wind turbines across two small windfarms at Glenchamber and North Rhins to re-energise the network in a trial test.

The project demonstrated that, with the right technology, the network has the capability to be 60% self-starting within 24 hours by 2026, a requirement set out by the Electricity System Restoration Standard.

Scott Mathieson, Network Planning and Regulation Director at SP Energy Networks, said: "This successful electricity system restoration marks a significant milestone not just for SP Energy Networks, but for the UK's entire electricity network. It is a massive leap forward in innovation and the use of novel wide area monitoring, protection and control technology.

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"Providing grid stability and services from renewables is one of the greatest challenges facing network operators today. Our trial shows it can be done and highlights just what our network is capable of as low carbon technology becomes an increasing part of our everyday lives. This is hugely impressive and shows we are very much on the right path as we continue to invest and innovate to ensure our network is an enabler for net zero.

"We're proud to be leading the way in creating a smart and resilient grid that will help the UK achieve its net zero goals. We look forward to progressing the next phase of the restart trial and delivering the widespread benefits that this project will bring to the network for years to come."

Ian Kinnaird, Drax's Scottish Assets Director, said: "With nearly a century of renewable electricity generation under its belt, Drax's Galloway Hydro Scheme is a fantastic example of Scotland's commitment to clean energy. This trial underscores the enduring significance and flexibility of our hydroelectric assets in securing the future of our power grid and its success is a major achievement.

"Scotland has a phenomenal history in pioneering hydroelectricity, and Drax is dedicated to fostering that heritage while forging a new future in utilising these assets to enable a net-zero future. By advancing the role of these assets in our wider power grid, we're not only paying homage to our past, but we're also charting a sustainable course forward."

Colin Parris, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at GE Digital said: "In the transition to net zero carbon electricity, there are profound changes in how electricity systems are controlled and managed. GE Digital is committed to delivering innovative solutions to meet the challenges faced by today's utilities, and the partnership with SP Energy Networks is highly valued as together we seek to introduce new approaches and technology for grid stability and management.

"The live trials mark a significant global milestone in using advanced high speed wide-area monitoring and control to harness the capability of renewable and distributed generation to deliver services for resilience and stability of the network. For the first time, a co-ordinated monitoring and control scheme has been applied to draw on the capabilities of different renewable and distributed generation, along with fast-acting balancing control capabilities so that the zone can provide black start and other grid services."

SP's team will undertake further live network trials in Central Scotland and Fife later this year which will represent a crucial step in the our mission to ensure and maintain network stability as demand for electricity increases.

The project supports our work to provide energy security for the UK – supporting jobs, the supply chain and the wider economy. It will ensure no community is left behind in the transition to low carbon technology and net zero emissions.