National Grid ESO and DigyCorp’s Digital Twin Solution
Client Overview
National Grid Electricity System Operator (NGESO) is responsible for ensuring that electricity flows efficiently and reliably across Great Britain’s power grid. The organization handles the real-time balancing of electricity supply and demand, moving power to where it is needed most—around the clock. NGESO plays a crucial role in supporting the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) and is pivotal in advancing the nation’s renewable energy objectives. In September 2024, the UK Government announced it would take NGESO into public ownership to form the National Energy System Operator (NESO) as part of Britain’s transition towards clean energy
Challenge
As the UK rapidly increased its reliance on renewable energy sources like wind farms, NGESO faced significant challenges in wind power forecasting and real-time energy balancing. Specific challenges included:
- Inaccurate Renewable Forecasting: The dynamic and unpredictable nature of wind generation led to inefficiencies in power distribution and underutilization of renewable resources.
- Grid Balancing: With increasing volumes of renewable energy, NGESO needed more advanced tools to balance supply and demand in real time.
- Cross-Border Trading: NGESO also faced the challenge of integrating power supply with European energy markets, needing real-time data and better predictive capabilities to manage interconnector cables and ensure smooth cross-border electricity trading.
These pain points were critical, as inefficiencies in forecasting and real-time decision-making would affect the country’s renewable energy utilization and increase dependence on fossil fuels.
The Solution
DigyCorp provided a comprehensive Digital Twin solution, custom-built to address NGESO’s challenges in forecasting and grid balancing. This solution included:
- Real-Time Digital Twin of Wind Farms: A sophisticated model of the UK’s wind farm infrastructure, integrating live data streams from meteorological sources, geospatial intelligence, and real-time sensor data. The Digital Twin allowed NGESO to simulate wind power generation in real time.
- AI-Enhanced Forecasting: Leveraging historical data, DigyCorp developed deep learning algorithms to enhance NGESO’s wind power forecasting by 30%, providing superior situational awareness and optimizing renewable energy utilization.
- Balancing Mechanism Systems: DigyCorp co-developed real-time, mission-critical Balancing Mechanism Systems, which helped NGESO ensure sufficient electricity supply across the grid and prevent blackouts.
- European Market Integration: DigyCorp also assisted in the design of systems for European Market Reform (EMR), enabling NGESO to better manage electricity trading with other European nations through interconnector cables, creating a seamless electricity market
Outcomes
- Improved Forecasting Accuracy: The 30% improvement in wind power forecasting significantly boosted NGESO’s ability to manage renewable energy resources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Enhanced Grid Stability: DigyCorp’s real-time Balancing Mechanism Systems improved operational efficiency, reducing the likelihood of blackouts.
- Cross-Border Energy Efficiency: The European Market Reform systems streamlined NGESO’s ability to engage in cross-border energy trading, resulting in better management of interconnector cables and a more robust, integrated energy market.
- Reduction in Carbon Emissions: By improving the utilization of wind energy, NGESO contributed to a significant reduction in carbon emissions, supporting the UK’s mission to become a clean energy superpower.
Client Feedback
“DigyCorp’s indispensable contribution has not only met but exceeded our expectations. Their cutting-edge Digital Twin technology and timely delivery have significantly shaped the future of renewable energy utilization in the UK.”
Programme Director, National Grid ESO
Key Takeaways
- Key Benefits: DigyCorp’s solution provided better situational awareness, improved forecasting accuracy, and reduced operational risks for NGESO, significantly enhancing the grid’s ability to balance renewable energy with real-time demand.
- Business Impact: By reducing inefficiencies in energy forecasting and improving grid stability, NGESO is now better equipped to scale its renewable energy initiatives and further integrate into European energy markets.
Key Metrics
Wind Power Forecast Accuracy: +30% improvement post-Digital Twin implementation.
Blackout Prevention: Enhanced real-time balancing systems reduced blackout risks.
Carbon Emissions Reduction: Improved renewable energy utilization contributed to a measurable reduction in fossil fuel reliance.
Interested in how Digital Twin and AI-driven solutions can revolutionize your operations?
Contact DigyCorp today to schedule a demo or learn more about how we can optimize your energy systems for the future.