Low carbon technologies connected to the distribution networks use 20 per cent less capacity than assumed, Western Power Distribution found after a three-year study.
The research, backed by Ofgem’s Low Carbon Network Fund, also found it was possible to cut cost and carbon by lowering voltage across UK networks. In South Wales alone, where the study was carried out, voltage reduction is set to save £9.4 million and 41,000 tonnes of carbon emissions a year.
Roger Hey, future networks manager at WPD, said: “Our templates will help identify hotspots where network infrastructure upgrades are needed and where additional generation is best connected. This will save money and minimise disruption.
“The insight from this project also enables us, and the wider industry, to base our future planning on accurate data rather than estimates.”
The findings were based on monitoring more than 800 substations and 3,600 customer connection points. Readings were taken every 10 minutes to create a database of more than 500 million measurements for analysis.
Alun Davies, Welsh minister for natural resources, was set to attend the launch of the report in Cardiff on Wednesday evening. “I am very encouraged by this work to develop innovative ways of achieving more with our existing infrastructure,” he said.
“The project shows that increased deployment of renewables can deliver both improved energy security and lower energy bills all of which is good news for the consumer and for Wales as a whole.”