NIA SSEN 0081 Pathfinder

Key Activities

Electricity demand is projected to increase by around 50% by 2035. Enabling the construction of the electricity distribution network to support this rapid increase requires new design processes, protection and control equipment and standards to be developed at pace. This project will de-risk the opportunities presented by implementing Low-Power Instrument Transformers (LPITs) and IEC61850 based communication technology that can be deployed in specifications for 132kV Grid and Bulk Supply Point substations. The project will trial the technologies in laboratories, to mitigate the risk of deployment on our network which will unlock benefits to consumers via lower construction costs, more efficient supply chain due to standardisation, reduction in cabling and footprint, and more efficient design and commissioning.

Expected Outcomes

• For Vendors and OEMs: Clear, standardised specifications will reduce uncertainty and development risk, lower barriers to entry, enable fair competition, and accelerate innovation.
• For Partners and Other Utilities: Standardisation will shorten delivery timelines and simplify integration, testing, commissioning, operations, and maintenance while making risks more manageable and performance more predictable.
• For Regulators and Standards Bodies: Insights and lessons learned will inform future technical approaches and help shape evolving regulatory and compliance frameworks.
• For End Users and the Wider Ecosystem: Faster access to mature, interoperable technology will reduce whole‑life costs, prevent market fragmentation, and build confidence in emerging digital substation solutions.

Project Budget

£2,543,797

Start/End Date

April 2026 – March 2028

Project Manager

Fraser MacIntyre

Additional Resource

NIA SSEN 0081 : Pathfinder : ENA Smarter Networks Portal