Unlocking network hosting capacity for flexible queue management

The UK's path to net zero emissions relies on integrating Renewable Energy Sources (RES) into the power network. However, this creates increased loading at certain points. Traditional methods for evaluating connection requests, based on rated capacity, have led to significant queues awaiting connections date while network reinforcement work is completed. Yet, RES often don't operate at full capacity due to resource availability or market conditions. This can lead to untapped network capacity at some times of day or year. In addition, diversity in the generation profiles among renewable energy sources or flexibility in customer demands was not traditionally taken into consideration when assessing capacity headroom. The Diversified Flexible Queue Management (DFQM) project aims to leverage data intelligence to manage the connection queue more efficiently, assessing customer loads and generation flexibility in real-time to speed up connections. In this paper, two novel approaches aimed at improving hosting capacity within distribution networks, particularly at Grid Supply Points (GSPs), are presented. The performance of the two approaches have been compared and analysed through GSPs within Northern Powergrid’s licensed area and an assessment of the potential increase in available capacity is presented.