Berwick Bank Collaborates on Grid Restoration Research

We are delighted to be collaborating with SP Energy Networks on their pioneering BLADE project which was awarded close to £5 million through Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund. BLADE will investigate and demonstrate how offshore windfarms can be used to restore the electricity network following a national power outage, ensuring the GB electricity network remains resilient and robust as the reliance on renewable energy sources increases.

The project will model restoration of the electricity transmission system using our proposed Berwick Bank Wind Farm as a primary case study.   BLADE, led by SP Energy Networks, is adopting a whole systems approach working with partners such as SSEN Transmission , The National HVDC Centre , University of Strathclyde and The Carbon Trust as well as an advisory panel, made up of offshore windfarm developers, including SSE Renewables, and original equipment manufacturers to influence the design of a potential commercial mechanism to be adopted industry-wide.

The project will provide key learnings for the industry and enable offshore windfarms to provide restoration services, offering an alternative source of restoration that is low in carbon, contributing to the UK’s net zero targets.