Electricity experts from across Europe joined forces in Manchester to exchange cutting-edge knowledge on a greener energy future.
Senior representatives from HEDNO, the Greek distribution network operator along with delegates from HEP ODS, the Croation DNO visited the headquarters of SP Electricity North West.
The visit was organised by the British embassies in both Athens and Zagreb with the aim of deepening collaboration and showcasing the UK’s strengths in energy networks.
Throughout the visit, the teams focused on the importance of flexible services, strategic planning to support green growth, SP Electricity North West’s ambitions in distribution system operations (DSO) and various innovations such as its Active Network Management System, which works like a live autopilot, continually looking at overall network use and what a new connection could utilise.
“We were very pleased to visit SP Electricity North West and to exchange experiences on the transformation of distribution networks.” said George Andreakos, Director of Grid Operations Policy/ Acting Director of Network Operations- HEDNO.
“It was particularly valuable to see how flexibility services, advanced automation and self-healing network solutions are being used in practice to address network constraints and improve resilience. The openness with which the teams shared lessons learned from earlier network challenges and the evolution of automatic fault location and restoration provided important insights for HEDNO as we accelerate the modernization of our own distribution system.”
One of the technologies showcased was SP Electricity North West’s Fault Location, Isolation and Service Restoration (FLISR), a system deployed on the power network.
FLISR is a smart grid application which can detect and locate faults, before isolating the section of the network while also restoring power to customers as quickly as possible utilising other routes on the network.
The technology has proved a real success restoring power to 370,000 homes and businesses a year in under three minutes.
Ivica Lončar, Member of the Management Board of HEP-ODS added: “It was inspiring to be part of the Grid Inward mission to the UK organized by UK Embassy in Croatia and UK Embassy in Greece, focused on the future of smart distribution grids and the energy transition.
“The discussions provided valuable insights into RES integration, system flexibility, and building resilient networks. As representatives of Croatian DSO, we are grateful for the opportunity to exchange experiences and strengthen collaboration across our energy sectors."
Delegates also visited the SP Electricity North West control room where they were able to see first- hand technologies in action on the network along with how skilled engineers manage the network to ensure a safe and reliable electricity supply for homes and business across the region.
“We’re proud to have been selected for a visit by HEDNO and HEP (Greece and Croatian DSOs) to showcase the cutting-edge technology and innovations we have on our network serving the North West,” said Paul Auckland, SP Electricity North West’s head of distribution system operations.
"Our distribution system operation activities were showcased as we deliver a smarter and more inclusive energy system which leaves nobody behind. Investing and innovating now means long-term benefits and savings for customers in the future, with the added potential explored through this visit for even wider benefits into Greece and Croatia.”
