More developers are now looking at private wire networks or microgrids. This could be direct supply from a nearby renewable source, or from on-site renewables. Many have been deployed successfully around the globe, as well as in the UK, but they are small in scale. Private wire connects a renewable generation, such as, a wind or solar farm, directly to a business via a dedicated circuit, rather than routing power solely through the national grid.
Battery energy storage systems or BESS are also deployed, this ensures that the vast majority of the power produced and consumed can be served “behind the meter.” This means the energy sits on the user’s side of the utility meter, where the least amount of energy moves beyond the microgrid.
The goal is to ‘kiss the grid’ not burden it, and provide as much energy autonomy as possible. Sometimes a small grid connection may be needed for back-up or marginal exports. At the moment, completely autonomous private wire networks with no national grid connections are feasible in the UK, though rare.
Deploying a microgrid involves a dating game. The aim is to achieve the perfect match between power demand and energy supply, while BESS offers the buffers. The eventual aim is to expediate the connection of new renewables to the national grid when its capacity catches up and is able to offer a full connection.
The innovation involves managing peak energy in the private wire so it’s kept off the national grid. This way the private wire bolsters the national grid rather than burdens it. Most developments are overdesigned for grid constraints. Mark Adolphus at UK Power Networks has said that they never use a third of available capacity, this means that microgrids have potential.
The aim is to think small, and roll out both demand and supply within private wires incrementally so as not to burden the national grid. A development should purchase 90-99% of their energy needs via a private wire network. Any excess energy could be provided directly to local communities, or in special circumstances to the national grid when it needs it.
The economics of microgrids, autonomous or otherwise, have not stacked up until now. They are a way to leapfrog the grid connection queue, but developers need to be brave.
The ultimate goal is to operate with zero carbon emissions and not burden the national grid, lowering the cost of energy for businesses and opening up the UK to new developments in locations that are right for their needs. There is a problem with perception. Developers think near autonomous microgrids cannot be achieved. This is not true.
If you can run a country on 100% renewable energy, which is what the UK government is proposing, you can certainly run a building, such as a manufacturing plant on it.
Laurence Johnson, Principal, Utility & Energy Infrastructure Group, Hoare Lea
We are advocates of the private wire. It’s about controlling the energy price, controlling the investment and controlling the connectivity.
David Young, Consultant, CX Power
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