Innovation project secures funding to accelerate the integration of renewable generation in Wales

Our innovation project, Powering Wales Renewably, has received Beta phase funding from Ofgem and Innovate UK’s Strategic Innovation Fund to better facilitate decarbonisation in Wales. 

Powering Wales Renewably, will create a connected digital twin of Wales’s energy transmission and distribution network. The digital twin will incorporate data sets and digital technologies to create a unique common interface, accelerating the integration of renewable generation and ensuring better coordination across the whole energy network.  

The project brings together key stakeholders within the Welsh energy system, to identify priorities and address obstacles in the delivery of decarbonisation plans using new digital technology. The project will prepare the system for net zero while delivering benefits to Wales’s citizens and communities.

How will Powering Wales Renewably progress decarbonisation targets and save money for consumers? 

Currently, it can be challenging to have clear visibility and understanding of the whole energy system which can hinder effective decision-making. With increased visibility, network operators, local and national planning, as well as asset owners can coordinate more effectively, resulting in an increase of successful connections for renewable generation. We’ll also be able to better utilise flexibility as a resource by providing a clearer picture of requirements and improved coordination across transmission and distribution. 

These improvements could allow us to successfully connect more renewables, over fossil fuel generators, delivering a potential saving on consumer bills of £58.5m between 2030 and 2035. Powering Wales Renewably also aims to achieve a saving of 2 million tonne in CO2 emissions, helping Wales meet its net zero targets and improving air quality for its communities. This is alongside further potential cost savings and benefits expected from improved coordination, reduced curtailments and investment in Wales’s economy. 

To deliver the Beta phase of this project, we look forward to partnering with CGI, the Welsh Government, National Grid Electricity Distribution, National Grid Electricity Transmission, National Gas Transmission, SP Energy Networks, CENIN Renewables and Wales and West Utilities. 

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This project is funded through the Strategic Innovation Fund, an Ofgem programme managed in partnership with Innovate UK.