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NETWORK / 11 / FEBRUARY 2018 Decentralisation – unlocking the key to the future network Put simply, a decentralised energy network is one that instead of running centrally, through the National Grid, is produced locally to where it will be used. This is achieved through the forming of microgrids which can generate and store energy locally, maximising on efficiencies whilst reducing transmissions losses and minimising carbon emissions with the added benefit of relieving pressure from the National Grid. It is set to be of vital importance as the UK transitions its energy network to support the growth in demand. This is because successful decentralisation will reduce the reliance on fossil fuelled power stations whilst also minimising the volatility of renewable energy and relieving strain from the National Grid by distributing the ability to deliver power. A decentralised network could make renewables more reliable and therefore increase the amount of green energy in the UK's energy mix through the usage of energy storage solutions. Energy storage solutions, such as Powerstar's VIRTUE, offer the capability to store energy generated from renewables or during periods of low demand for discharge when required. In addition to this, energy storage solutions can generate revenues for business through DSR which is used to support the grid. DSR encourages intelligent energy use and the National Grid compensates businesses for helping it to maintain the required frequency level in times of fluctuating supply and demand through DSR. It is evident that the continued drive towards a low carbon economy will necessitate the transition to a decentralised network and promote greater adoption of energy storage across the UK, delivering a more flexible, reliable and secure network for all. I N D U S T RY I N S I G H T LCNI REVIEW solutions ideally suited to the rigours of the temporary power sector." Huw Sullivan, innovation delivery manager at Cadent, told Network that the integra - tion between gas and electricity networks should be welcomed. He said: "The thing that's new this year (2017) is evidence of more projects that are display - ing better integration between gas and electric. "If you look back historically, a number of the projects have been developed independently, but now we're starting to see projects which are looking at the whole systems approach. "If you can get the best out of both then you can shave off the peaks in demand that you would see if you ran them as single networks. That's the obvious major benefit. From a technological perspective, it's about what technologies you can partner together to deliver that optimum." Ian Cameron, head of inno - vation at UK Power Networks, said: "LCNI plays a key role in fostering the link between elec- tricity networks and industry. It's an opportunity to share and learn on a really detailed level and see what innovation is being driven by Ofgem's innovation stimulus. If you have an idea, a new product or service to sell that could help us improve then it's the perfect shop window." Roger Hey, future networks manager at Western Power Distribution, pointed out that there is now a transition from doing innovation projects to actually making a difference and changing the services for customers. Hey said this was something indicative of the whole event, adding: "We've been talking about the low carbon transi - tion, PVs and low carbon heat coming for about a decade. But it's now happening and it isn't going to wait for us. It's ready or not and we think we're ready. It's customer driven and we need to build the type of network that customers want. It's a bit of a no brainer that if you can build a smart network, which is cheaper than building a bigger network, if it feels and looks the same to a customer then they're going to be happy with it." Jean-Yves Bodin, director of energy digital solutions at Schneider Electric, said the company used the LCNI event as an opportunity to showcase solutions that can support the digital transformation of DNOs. He said: "As a company we consider the UK one of the most advanced countries in terms of the transition from the central - ised model to the decentralised world of energy. The UK, due to an innovative regulator, has been moving fast on adopting new technologies and business models to face those challenges and to enable the management of more distributed energy resources on the grid."