FastTrack (SIF Round 4)

Project Overview

Key Activities

Innovation Challenge Aim

R4 Challenge 1: demonstrate greater use of machine learning, artificial intelligence and quantum computing to improve real-time monitoring and optimisation of energy networks.

Innovation Challenge Focus Theme

Innovation Challenge 1: Theme 1: novel methods to increase electrical capacity from existing assets or support faster and more efficient connection methods including using digital innovations.

Description

The connection request queue is at least 723GW and growing, driven by low-carbon technologies, renewable energy and new developments. Assessing the overall network impact from this volume of applications is challenging, making it difficult to assess available headroom and future investment needs. FastTrack, an AI solution, aims to simulate the impact of both small and large-scale connection requests using data on network capacity, load, and external factors, to present a “rolled up” view of overall demand. This will provide DNOs with risk-weighted insights to make faster, more informed decisions on future investments, helping network planners prioritise interventions improving delivery times.

Expected Benefits

Once operational, FastTrack will enable DNOs to:

• Determine if connection requests, individually or group, can be accepted based on probabilistic assessment of impact on the network.
• Estimate extent of upstream reinforcement or flexibility required if connections cannot be accepted as-is due to capacity constraints.
• Provide enhanced forecast information at GSP level, improving DNO/Transmission Network Operators (TNO) coordination.
• FastTrack can lead to faster, more informed decisions on accepting new connection requests, offering actionable insights for network planning. DNO network strategy and connection teams, who currently manage a large and time-sensitive queue, will be primary users of FastTrack. FastTrack directly addresses Challenge 1 to accelerate network development through digital innovations, supporting more efficient connection management and investment planning.

Progress

We have been awarded funding for Discovery, and are now preparing for the Project Kick-Off.

Funding

£158,926 total
£143,033 SIF funding

Start/End Date

1st February to 1st May 2025