Energy Supply
Evidence and findings
Electricity network capacity is constrained in certain areas. Around 5% of the network has no demand headroom, and 20% has headroom of less than 5MW. Around 16% of substations within the WPD area have no headroom to support distributed generation (e.g. from renewables). Constrained areas include Wellingborough, Daventry and Kettering.
Key issues for the SEMLEP area
Supply constraints can delay or stop developments and business operations. Spare capacity is around 24% - healthy for incremental growth, but a risk for our high growth area. Distributed generation from renewables is expected to be important for the area’s future energy supply. Constraints on generation will hinder targets to achieve high growth, energy self-sufficiency, job creation and national carbon reduction.
Objectives
Ensure the electricity network capacity is capable of meeting the area’s future demand growth. Ensure the electricity network capacity can meet the area’s need for distributed generation, in line with growth and sustainability objectives.
Recommendations
- Support development of new Distributed Energy Resources
- Establish new commercial framework and fund a pilot
- Potential - revise Local Plans, priorities and develop new guidance
- Develop and promote the Business Case
- Support development of Active Network Management (ANM)
- Build into new estates/regeneration areas
- Pilot trials (funded) – integrate learning
- Use zonal approach to ANM roll-out (start with areas with generation)