3D-AR: Dynamic, data driven asset rating (SIF Round 4 - Alpha)

Project Overview

Description

As electricity networks face growing pressure for connections, the need for smarter, faster, and more flexible network solutions becomes essential. Dynamic Rating (DR) allows electricity network assets, particularly overhead lines, to operate closer to their real-time thermal capacity by accounting for environmental conditions. Dynamic, Data Driven Asset Rating (3DAR) will identify those circuits where DR could be deployed to release additional headroom, overlay future constraints with mapped additional capacity from DR to facilitate assessment at scale. 3DAR will allow DR to be scaled at distribution level, productising the solution to embed it within processes and accelerate network connections.

3DAR Alpha will focus on overhead lines and may expand to other assets based on suitability and potential to:

Remove barriers to assessment and selection of circuits for DR,
Enable frequent assessment of the large areas of network allowing DR to become a credible option for DSOs alongside reinforcement and flexibility,
Leverage existing data sets to allow DR to be scaled and ubiquitous.

Expected Benefits

Financial – future reductions in the cost of operating the network

Avoided cost of Flexibility Dispatch: Currently, DNOs rely on flexibility dispatch, financially incentivising consumers to adjust their electricity usage during periods of network constraint as a key tool for managing demand. DLR increases the real-time capacity of power lines during favourable weather conditions, so reducing the frequency and scale of flexibility dispatch events. This leads to lower operational costs over time, as DNOs can rely more on existing infrastructure and less on costly consumer incentives to manage constraints.
Optimising Delivery of Network Reinforcement: When parts of the electricity network become constrained, operators invest in upgrading infrastructure to increase capacity involving significant capital expenditure. By deploying DLR operators can enhance the real-time capacity of existing lines. This may, in some cases, involve deferring activities which allows networks to work more efficiently within the constraints of the supply chain, yielding savings. This leads to savings in capital investment and reduces the overall cost of operating the network, as existing assets are used more efficiently and for longer periods.
Releasing Capacity more Quickly Accelerates Connections: To meet Net Zero targets there is a need for network capacity to support and increasing number of connections. Connections delays result in costs to the networks and to society. By employing DLR across the network, constraint can be eased and additional network capacity released earlier than it might have been. This reduces connections delays.

Financial – cost savings per annum for users of network services

Social benefit of accelerated connections with DLR: Many renewable energy projects in the UK experience significant delays in connecting to the grid, hampering progress towards net zero targets and incurring costs for generation projects. By alleviating network constraints, DLR facilitates quicker integration of renewable generation connections. This not only prevents the loss of profits due to connection delays but also reduces the reliance on backup generators used by customers waiting for grid connections.

Environmental – carbon reduction — indirect CO2 savings per annum

Indirect Carbon Savings through Accelerated Renewable Connections with DLR: Many renewable energy projects in the UK experience significant delays in connecting to the grid, which hampers progress towards national net zero targets and incurs costs for generation projects. DLR increases the real-time capacity of existing power lines, helping to ease network constraints and enabling faster integration of renewable generation. By accelerating these connections, DLR reduces reliance on fossil fuel-based generation that would otherwise fill the gap, leading to indirect but measurable carbon savings each year. This enhanced ability to bring clean energy online more quickly supports a more sustainable energy mix and contributes meaningfully to the UK’s decarbonisation goals.

New to market — processes

Enabling New-to-Market Processes through a DLR Assessment Tool: Identifying the most suitable lines for DLR has traditionally been a slow, resource-intensive process. To address this 3DAR will streamline and automate the assessment of line suitability for DLR deployment. By leveraging network data, weather patterns, and system constraints, the tool will efficiently prioritise lines where DLR can deliver the greatest operational and economic benefit. This innovation will be integrated into standard network planning workflows, offering an alternative to traditional network reinforcement or flexibility dispatch. It is expected to be a valuable asset for system planners, whole system planners, and potentially within the Distribution Network Options Assessment (DNOA) process. With sufficiently granular forecasts and data, the tool could support real-time decision-making at the control room level, marking a significant step forward in digitalising and optimising network operations.

Progress

Stakeholder engagement during the Discovery Phase established 3DAR should focus on using weather data to rapidly assess the network, determining which lines/assets are most appropriate to install DR on — either with sensors or sensorless solutions.

Alpha Phase is due to start in late 2025.