Iberdrola deploys innovative real-time smart grid control technology in the UK

Last July, ScottishPower Electricity North West, the distribution business of ScottishPower, Iberdrola Group's subsidiary in the UK, connected a 30 MW utility-scale battery using a real-time active network management system, eliminating the need for additional network reinforcement.

The technology, known as Active Network Management (ANM), continuously monitors network conditions and automatically responds when it detects potential constraints by adjusting power flows to ensure safe and reliable operation. Since it was commissioned, the system has been activated more than 400 times, enabling the battery to operate virtually without interruption while utilising 99% of the available energy, resulting in greater efficiency, improved control and lower operational risk.

Thanks to this system, the battery was connected three years earlier than planned, generating estimated savings of €3.7 million.

The project demonstrates Iberdrola's progress in the digitalisation of its electricity networks through smart solutions that accelerate the connection of new renewable energy and storage assets, optimise existing network capacity and strengthen security of supply.

You can read the full story in SP Electricity North West's Newsroom.