Alstom works with ScottishPower Energy Networks to strengthen grid stability in Great Britain

Alstom has been awarded a contract by ScottishPower Transmission to provide a flexible wide area monitoring solution to strengthen grid stability in the GB electricity network. The project Visualization of Real-time System Dynamics using Enhanced Monitoring (VISOR) approved by Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), the energy regulator in Great Britain (GB), is led by ScottishPower Energy Networks, involving Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission and National Grid. 

Alstom will develop and deliver an innovative software and service based on its e-terraphasorpoint technology to extend and integrate the existing GB Wide Area Monitoring Systems.[1] This will improve visibility of system voltage and stability limits across the entire national electricity network. The aim of the VISOR project is to improve transmission operation through enhanced risk mitigation and boundary transfer management, using real-time synchrophasor and waveform data with advanced analysis and presentation. The project will help manage increasing complexity of the network, such as penetration of renewable generation. 

We believe that the collaboration between ScottishPower Energy Networks, Alstom-Psymetrix and the VISOR partners will deliver valuable insights and tools for improving the efficiency and security of transmission in the Great Britain system, and contribute to international experience and knowledge, said David Campbell, Manager of Future Networks at ScottishPower. 

Our on-going success with ScottishPower Energy Networks and other likeminded progressive industry players gives us the opportunity to advance innovative solutions to address the challenges of increasing renewable energy in the supply mix. Through this collaboration with multiple stakeholders, and our R&D investment in Wide Area Monitoring solutions, Alstom Grid will be actively contributing to the efficiency and security of future energy supply in the GB grid, said Karim El Naggar, Vice President Alstom Grids Network Management Solutions. 

This contract follows another that was recently awarded to Alstom by ScottishPower Energy Networks in October 2014, to strengthen the Scottish grid with series compensation monitoring. 

[1] The solution will be developed at Psymetrix, Alstom Grids Centre of Excellence for Wide Area Monitoring Systems, in Edinburgh, Scotland

About Alstom

Alstom is a global leader in the world of power generation, power transmission and rail infrastructure and sets the benchmark for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. Alstom builds the fastest train and the highest capacity automated metro in the world, provides turnkey integrated power plant solutions and associated services for a wide variety of energy sources, including hydro, nuclear, gas, coal and wind, and it offers a wide range of solutions for power transmission, with a focus on smart grids. The Group employs 93,000 people in around 100 countries. It had sales of over 20 billion and booked 21.5 billion in orders in 2013/14. 

Alstom Grid has one clear vision: to develop innovative solutions for a flexible, reliable, affordable and sustainable electrical grid, everywhere. We design, manufacture, install and service the power transmission and distribution products and systems that empower the planets low carbon economy... for now and for the future.

Alstom Grid has over 130 years experience and ranks among the top three in the electrical transmission sector with an annual sales turnover of 3.8 billion. Alstom Grids 17,000 employees are spread across 87 manufacturing and engineering sites worldwide and have one common mission: be our customers trusted partner, from the source to the city.

We are energising a smarter world with Alstom.

Aline Besselièvre (Alstom Grid)
Tel: +33 1 49 01 67 60
aline.besselievre@alstom.com

Jonathan Smith (Alstom UK) 
Tel: +44 1788545602
jonathan.smith@chq.alstom.com

Website: www.alstom.com