The project is believed to pave the way for a smarter electricity grid as part of UK’s initiatives for energy security and for transition into a low-carbon economy.
As part of the deal, GE will deliver intelligent digital substation with a full suite of interoperable solution to SPEN.
Smart electricity grids are critical for achieving reduced CO2 emissions. The UK plans to reduce its CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050.
Via RIIO Network Innovation Scheme, the UK has invested about £500m to support experiments with smart grids.
SPEN director engineering services Colin Taylor said: "FITNESS is a ground breaking project as after successful demonstration it will change the way we maintain and build new substations.
"As a mainly asset based business we see huge potential for benefits to our customers through minimizing use of copper and reducing substation footprint.
"We as an innovative company encourage vendors like GE to work with us to change our existing methods and work towards a low carbon future."
The FITNESS project will establish complete intelligent digital substation solution with faster deployment, greater availability, improved safety and greater controllability.
GE says that it will be UK’s first substation which will provide multi-vendor interoperability through IEC 61850 standard. multi-vendor interoperability will give customers the freedom to plug and play best solutions for their needs.
The system will feature digital control system encompassing fast and reliable data exchange across the whole substation.
The system, integrated with Grid Stability Package will increase grid controllability and asset efficiency through monitoring, managing and analysing the grid dynamics.
The substation with reduced size and equipment will have copper wires replaced with optical fibre that maximises safety of personnel, improves maintainability and optimises substation footprint.
Image: GE to supply digital control systems for FITNESS, UK’s pilot smart grid project. Photo: Courtesy of General Electric Company.
