Active Network Management

Sector-wide initiatives to develop and offer to customers quicker and lower capital DG integration into the distribution network began in the early 2000s. Various ad hoc approaches utilising available protection, control and operational communications technologies had already been implemented in a small number of places at that point. But interest and activity in ANM grew quickly in parallel with both clean energy incentives and network innovation funding.  A major breakthrough came in the form of a multiple generating unit, multiple network constraint ANM system in the renewable rich Orkney Islands. Scottish & Southern Energy Networks and Smarter Grid Solutions pioneered a more sophisticated, scalable and acceptable technological approach to flexible DG connections and the ANM system in Orkney has now been in continuous and successful operation for 10 years delivering significant benefits to renewable generator and customers.