Frimley, 2012-Nov-23
The UK has ambitious environmental targets to meet by 2020, including a 30% reduction in carbon emissions on 1990s levels. Regions around the UK are developing their own local low carbon programmes within this framework. Electricity networks and energy management in homes, schools and the workplace are key pillars to achieving this vision, requiring significant changes in the way we design and operate future energy systems. Project CLASS is focused on addressing these key challenges and assisting the North West in its low carbon journey.
During peak time, the network runs almost at capacity. To increase capacity by building more lines could cost billions. Instead, it is possible to slightly reduce the voltage delivered to thousands of homes and businesses in the region when demand is high. The change will be unnoticeable to customers but could help avoid millions of pounds of investment and hence keep bills for customers lower.
Siemens will provide turnkey services to deliver smart voltage control technology and applications in up to 60 substations linked to Electricity North West’s Control Centre. This allows voltage to be actively managed to drive demand changes, stabilise network frequency and keep voltage within statutory limits. This application of voltage management will provide increased network flexibility and enable the connection of low carbon technologies.
Kevin Tutton, Managing Director Siemens UK Smart Grid, said: “Today’s announcement of this investment is very welcome news to accelerate a low carbon UK and we are delighted to be working with Electricity North West on this innovative low carbon project. This builds upon Siemens involvement in many of the Low Carbon Networks Fund Projects funded to date, and builds on Siemens capability to support the distribution network companies deliver their low carbon business plans. Siemens is world leader in sustainable cities technologies and we are making use of our experience in smart grids, metering and building technologies from other global projects to deliver the UK’s low carbon targets.”
Steve Johnson, CEO of Electricity North West, said: “This project aims to get more out of what’s already built by bringing together new technology developed by our engineers and partners to transform the way distribution companies like us operate networks. This innovative approach will help us get the most from the infrastructure we already have, with customers still getting the power they need.”
The project is due to start in January 2013 and be completed in September 2015.
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Notes to editors:
About Siemens in the UK:
Siemens was established in the United Kingdom 169 years ago and now employs around 13,520 people in the UK. Last year’s revenues were £3.2 billion*. As a leading global engineering and technology services company, Siemens provides innovative solutions to help tackle the world’s major challenges, across the key sectors of energy, industry, infrastructure & cities and healthcare. Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Frimley, Surrey. The company’s global headquarters is in Munich, Germany. For more information, visit www.siemens.co.uk
* Data includes intercompany revenue. Data may not be comparable with revenue reported in annual or interim reports.
For more information and pictures contact:
Silke Thomson,
PR Manager,
Siemens plc,
Tel: 07808 822 780
Email : silke.thomson-pottebohm@siemens.com
