Utility Week

UTILITY WEEK | 20TH - 26TH SEPTEMBER 2019 | 21 Operations & Assets in such a way to protect this sh species. Ben Gillespie, lead adviser – hydroecology at Yorkshire Water, said: "Our new inlet on the River Derwent now has upgraded screens designed to prevent small sh from being drawn into the water treatment works we have at Lo some Bridge. This will allow eels to migrate up and down the River Derwent without risk from our water infrastruc- ture. The project is part of our £10 million sh pass programme that will permanently improve the aquatic environment of Yorkshire's rivers." If you have an asset or project you would like to see featured in this slot, please email: paulnewton@fav-house.com. T he UK's blackout in August was a timely reminder that while our energy systems have a good track record of reliability, they are not immune to major out- ages. The pressure on these energy systems will grow as climate change results in more frequent and severe weather events, as more intermittent supply resources are inte- grated, and as the nature of demand for energy evolves. To deal with these mount- ing pressures, it will be impor- tant to further integrate energy, water, and communication sys- tems. One initiative that plays into this is Ofgem's require- ment that electricity and natu- ral gas networks adopt a whole system approach to business planning. This sounds wise but is challenging in the present regulatory and market environ- ment. The vertical transmission- distribution system debate is something of a tug-of-war around roles and functions. It is almost impossible for an individual distribution network owner to be impartial and adopt a true whole system view on matters such as the future distribution system operator model or hydrogen transmis- sion's future. Likewise, for the gas- electricity horizontal dimension, this cuts across regulatory boundaries and requires solutions involving commercial and planning trade-o' s to optimise customer solutions that may be solved by gas, electricity, or a combination of the two. Who arbitrates what is the right answer? Despite the challenges, there are bene ts in making a whole system approach work. EXPERT VIEW MARK LIVINGSTONE, DIRECTOR, NAVIGANT A whole system approach will improve energy system resilience By combining the best features and economics of gas and electricity, we can improve the energy system's resilience at a lower cost (not to mention the other potential bene ts related to decarbonisation). Weaknesses in the electricity system – for instance, lack of storage – can be supported through better integration with gas. Navigant's work in sector coupling highlights technical options that can improve system resilience over time. However, many of these options require an ongoing commitment to innova- tion, particularly in transport and heat. A more combined approach to network innova- tion strategy is an important step to recognise that solutions including power-to-X, hybrid heat pumps, heat storage, and microgrids require a collabora- tive approach rather than a separating wall between the two systems. Clear responsibility and incentives are also important requirements. A business plan requirement is a start, but leadership, co-ordination, and the right incentives for all parties are also necessary. One option is for a well de ned whole system operator role, whose responsibilities would cut across boundaries to achieve optimal solutions. While there is plenty of activity dra ing business plans, this ball remains in Ofgem's court. As energy systems evolve and the dramatic e' ects of climate change on resilience gather pace, it is one task that deserves priority. For further information, visit: navigant.com/energy

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