UKPN substations upgrade will allow more EVs to be accommodated

UK Power Networks has upgraded digital communications across 16,000 electricity substations with the roll out of new 4G mobile network routers, enabling remote communications and control of electricity substations across the South East and East of England.

While its primary purpose is supporting electricity network resilience, the new tech will also enable UK Power Networks to connect more smart flexibility services and electric vehicles in the future.

The new infrastructure supports automatic power restoration systems and allows engineers to remotely control local network equipment. The routers send signals between network control systems and 11,000V secondary substations to restore customers’ power supplies quickly in the event of a fault.

Barry Hatton, Director of Asset Management at UK Power Networks said, “Meeting the net zero challenge needs collaboration across many skillsets, departments and partners and this project is a great example of that. We have taken an innovative approach to introduce new technology that maintains visibility and control for our substations while paving the way for more low carbon technologies connecting to our networks, such as electric vehicles. We have readied 16,000 sites where we can deploy smart approaches more easily, meaning more EVs can be accommodated at a lower overall cost.”

UK Power Networks trained 78 employees in new skills to support the roll-out, enabling engineers with basic computer knowledge to replace equipment without specialist SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) engineering skills.

Steve Slim, Managing Director of Cherry & White, which provided the network routers, says, “We were delighted to provide the communications technology that will continue to support fast, resilient and secure wireless connectivity for digital communications across UK Power Networks regions, while enabling Britain’s biggest network operator to prepare for the future.

“Delivering these systems supports the reliable operation of UK Power Networks’ electricity system for millions of homes and businesses, ensuring the network continues to perform at its best.”