World-first live innovation project trial demonstrates battery can help restore network

Distributed ReStart has been exploring how we can use renewable distributed energy resources (DERs) such as wind, solar, hydro and battery storage to restore power in the extremely unlikely event of a total shutdown of the electricity network.

Making renewables viable for electricity system restoration is essential for achieving a zero carbon electricity system by 2035, helping us deliver an electricity system which is reliable, affordable, and fair for all.

Redhouse live trial proves battery restoration in practice

Following two successful live trials with biomass and hydro, our latest trial in June 2023 at Redhouse in Scotland, demonstrated that battery can be used to start up and control ‘power islands’ – showcasing their ability to energise both the distribution and transmission electricity networks.

This world-first live trial has set a precedent for battery storage systems to be used, not just in the UK, but around the world, as viable network restoration service providers.

What is Distributed ReStart?

Launched in 2019, Distributed ReStart is a partnership between the ESO, SP Energy Networks and specialist energy consultancy TNEI.

The project was recently extended until October 2023 to accommodate this final live trial and has been funded via Ofgem’s Network Innovation Competition (NIC), and Network Innovation Allowance (NIA). 

Want to find out more?

If you’d like more technical details about the Redhouse live trial, please email us at [email protected].

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