ENERGY MANAGEMENT & SUSTAINABILITY
FINDING A NEW CONNECTION
Connecting into the electricity distribution network is vital for power generation projects. However, for many years access to these networks has been difficult because of the practical challenges involved.
Existing methods of connecting to a line usually require a new junction tower or extensive modifications to an existing tower, which can result in disruption to the network for many weeks. This is because of the requirement to take the line out of service, and in some cases, use a temporary circuit diversion. This can mean time delays and high costs for new connection projects.
Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) are continuing to see requests for connections into their networks increasing dramatically, adding pressure to deliver faster connections more frequently. For them, providing new customers with a connection as quickly as possible is a delicate balancing act, as they juggle providing a timely service with ensuring minimal disruption for existing customers.
To minimise disruption, DNOs often revert to completing these new connections during the summer months when demand on the network is lower. But this has the knock- on effect that customers are often unable to connect on demand, leading to wasted time and lost revenue.
With demand for new connections set to increase, there’s a real need for new innovative ways to overcome this challenge.
At Freedom, we have identified this challenge and worked hard to develop a viable solution. That is why we have developed our Point of Connection Mast (POC-MAST). Borne out of a desire to make the process more affordable and quicker, our POC-MAST innovation is set to transform the way new connections to the high voltage electricity distribution network are delivered.
POC-MAST offers a safer, faster and more affordable means of connecting to the local power distribution network for applications such as data centres, wind and solar farms.
Our first POC-MAST was developed for a renewable energy project where a traditional connection wasn’t possible. We quickly realised that it overcame the issues associated with traditional connections. Since then we have invested more than £500,000 developing, testing and rolling out POC-MAST.
34 | TOMORROW’S FM
Martin Buckland, Managing Director at Freedom Professional Services, part of the NG Bailey Group, looks at how innovation may be the solution to high demand for new connections into the electricity distribution network.
Developers requiring a connection into the electricity distribution network - for generation or load - can use POC-MAST. It is available for connections up to 132kV to the most widely used tension and suspension towers on the UK distribution network.
So, what are POC-MAST’s key benefits over traditional methods? Crucially, it is our belief that POC-MAST can make the difference to whether or not a scheme is viable.
As outlined above, considerable cost savings can be made against traditional methods, with no requirement to replace or modify existing towers and removing the need for cabling back to the nearest substation.
Each POC-MAST installation offers positive time savings, taking less than 20 weeks from project concept to completion. It also offers the potential opportunity to complete connections all year round.
“Environmental impacts are minimised as screw anchor
foundations negate the need for deep excavations.”
It also offers improved safety levels during construction, with no heavy crane lifting operations required and greatly reducing the time spent working at height. Environmental impacts are minimised as screw anchor foundations negate the need for deep excavations - typically saving more than 30 tonnes of concrete per installation.
There are also reduced circuit outage times during installation and final connection, this significantly minimises network disruption and supports DNOs that must retain power supplies to existing customers. Additionally, with each POC-MAST being fully galvanised they are low maintenance, with a design life of 40 years.
With a number of commercial POC-MAST installations having already taken place, including within the UK Power Networks region of the East, South East and London, we are excited about how innovations such as POC-MAST will help transform the UK connections market.
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