The Pilot-E project MaksGrid will focus on measures that power grid companies can implement and control themselves, in anticipation of building new power grids.
Constrained power grid capacity is a growing obstacle and a real barrier to the desired green transformation of Norwegian society. In MaksGrid, power grid companies, technology providers and R&D suppliers will work together to develop and test new solutions for coordinated automatic system management, dynamic transmission limits and risk-based operation and planning, as well as evaluate the coherence and overall effect of these solutions.
The solutions are intended to make capacity available for new consumption and renewable generation by maximising the use of the power grid—without compromising security of electricity supply or existing grid customers.Although measures toward building additional capacity is being undertaken, it is also necessary to optimise the use of the existing grid.
Combining different measures
The unique feature of this project is that it will combine three different measures that contribute to increased optimisation of the power grid. Based on previous research, there is a hypothesis that the ultimate potential for increasing the utilisation of the grid is only triggered when these measures are combined:
- coordinated automatic system protection,
- dynamic transmission limits, and
- risk-based operation.
These are the three key research challenges that SINTEF’s scientists will address through the MaksGrid project:
- Investigate how grid capacity and robustness can be increased through coordinated automatic system control. How can available capacity best be coordinated across different grid levels?
- Develop and adapt models and methods for analysis, planning, and implementation of measures during events in a grid operated based on dynamic load limits.
- Establish and adapt appropriate methods for risk assessment for different purposes and across various grid levels.
Norway's position in the international market
In addition to the social benefit of the project, the MaksGrid project's unique character will substantiate Norwegian technology for both national and international commercialisation. In the project, the technology solutions are tested and verified, which supports validation of the systems' performance and reliability in practice.
The project will not only strengthen Norwegian companies' position on the global market, but also contribute to promoting Norway's reputation as a leading actor in green technology and sustainable energy supply.