Through a Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) funded partnership the companies explore a new generation of IONATE’s hardware innovation in collaboration with EA technology and Cardiff University.
London, 14 November 2024 - We are delighted to announce that IONATE has partnered with National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) to proactively address decarbonisation bottlenecks in the low-voltage network using IONATE’s hardware innovation.
Low carbon technologies are key to the UK’s plan to reach Net Zero by 2050. However, their added electricity loads also present voltage and thermal constraints and resolving these through traditional means, i.e., cable reinforcement, is costly and disruptive to consumers. The Low Voltage - Active power control transformer (LV-ACT) project led by National Grid sets out to resolve constraints through a less disruptive alternative: by exploring a new generation of IONATE’s Hybrid Intelligent Transformer (HIT) technology.
The HIT is a new building block for the grid, enabling real-time data and millisecond-precision control, all from a smart version of a basic device: the transformer. This technology is designed to serve the emerging, complex needs of stakeholders from network operators, renewables generation and storage, to large power users like data centres.
The current project optimises the HIT’s features for common feeder archetypes, providing opportunities to discover new avenues for employing these smart devices. The aim is to proactively tackle predicted network constraints, some of which can emerge in the next 5 years. Funded through Ofgem’s NIA scheme, the project will facilitate the net-zero transition by allowing customers to reliably connect low carbon technologies to the network, without the need for costly and disruptive network reinforcement.
Matthew Williams, IONATE’s CEO and Founder, comments: “We’ve designed HITs to be a Swiss Army knife for the most urgent challenges of the network, and they are extremely capable – but they still carry a lot of untapped potential. Through this collaboration with National Grid we extend their value for the next chapter in the UK’s decarbonisation. For this, we could not have chosen better partners than NGED, who bring invaluable network insight and the energy experts of Cardiff University and EA technology. We are excited to help accelerate a smarter system in the UK and beyond together.”
Greg Shirley, Innovation and Deployment Engineer at NGED said: “We are focused on driving innovation and collaboration to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future by developing and deploying solutions that will ensure the low voltage electricity distribution network is able to cope with the demands placed upon it by the increased adoption of low carbon technologies. IONATE’s HIT technology and the development of new generation versions will enable smarter operation of the network, removing the constraints that would prevent low carbon technologies from connecting to the network in a cost-effective and efficient manner.”
About IONATE
IONATE is building the hardware-software backbone for the smart grid. Their Hybrid Intelligent Transformer is a first-of-a-kind control device that solves a range of issues in the power network. Coupled with IONATE’s software, these devices will turn the passive, old grid into a decentralized platform ready for the energy transition.
About National Grid
National Grid operates the electricity transmission network in England and Wales and is the distribution network operator for the Midlands, South West England and South Wales.
The company invests £1 billion in its distribution network every year.
About 10% of the average household electricity bill – around £100 a year or 27p a day – is used to fund this essential work.
National Grid is committed to creating a smarter, more efficient energy system for customers – and to helping the UK achieve net zero - through its industry-leading innovation programme.
National Grid is involved in a number of ground-breaking projects to support the mass adoption of electric vehicles and decarbonisation of power. You can find out more about National Grid’s distribution network here: www.nationalgrid.co.uk
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