Summary of WPD's 2017 Network Innovation Competition (NIC) Third Party Bid Challenges and Outline fo

Following the success of our 2016 NIC Third Party Bid Challenge, where two bids were taken through to full submission and one was awarded, OpenLV delivered by EA Technology, we ran two challenges in 2017, one focussed on Networks and the other on Systems. The Networks challenge focussed on three key technical areas on the 132kV system; Management of Real Power Network Peaks, Optimisation of Reactive Power across Networks and Voltage and Phase Angle Stability. The Systems challenge purported to find processes and tools for the future Distribution System Operator (DSO) requirements to enable short and long term flexibility services whilst enabling data exchange with other flexibility service providers. A brief summary report has been produced on the process and outcome of these two challenges. To view this report, click here.

WPD’s 2018 NIC Bid Challenge will focus on trials to include new infrastructure installation techniques along with new types of assets that facilitate expedited installation. The building of new substations, overhead lines and cable installations is becoming increasingly difficult due to several factors such as planning restrictions, public opposition and escalating costs. Therefore, it is important that new and alternative techniques for construction are considered. Under this area, the opportunity to develop and trial new construction techniques, which look to minimise the cost, time and disruption to install new network assets will be explored. 

Further information will be provided prior to the release of the 2018 NIC Bid Challenge in late September and will be made available on both UVDB Achilles and the ENA Network Innovation Collaboration Portal.