University joins £8m project to expand power network capacity Published on: 7 October 2024 Âé¶¹´«Ã½ experts will help deliver a new project aimed at increasing network capacity in electrical power distribution networks. The D-Suite project is one of three successful initiatives led by SP Energy Networks that have secured over 21m of funding from Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund. D-Suite is in partnership with UKPN, Âé¶¹´«Ã½ and Integrated Powertech, has been awarded over £8m to explore the feasibility of using power electronics – a way of controlling and converting voltage and current – on the low voltage distribution network. The use of this technology will help support the growth of low-carbon technologies by increasing available capacity on the network by between 20% to 40% while deferring or mitigating the need for costly and disruptive reinforcement solutions. A major aim of the project is to create a fully automated low voltage design (LV) tool which will allow for rapid adoption of the technology by other DNOs, reducing training and upskilling requirements, while future-proofing the network and informing network planning, design and investment decisions. Dr Matthew Deakin is the Âé¶¹´«Ã½ project lead. He said: “At Âé¶¹´«Ã½, we are supporting D-Suite by developing the LV Design Tool. This tool is an integral part of the D-Suite solution that will provide an optimized location and operation for each D-Suite device to maximise performance and minimize cost. We will capture each device’s active operating characteristics in software, so the tool can provide engineers with the visibility and justification needed to invest in a D-Suite device with confidence. Ultimately, the tool aims to enable D-Suite devices to be efficiently rolled out across tens of thousands of locations across the UK.” A game-changer The Strategic Innovation Fund, an Ofgem programme managed in partnership with Innovation UK, supports projects looking to explore and prove innovative ways of using the electricity network to help ensure the network is fit for the future, helping to support the growth of renewables, increase the adoption of low carbon technologies and, ultimately, move towards a sustainable future. Scott Mathieson of SP Energy Networks said: “Receiving this funding from Ofgem is a game-changer for these vital projects, allowing us to continue pushing boundaries and exploring innovative ways that our transmission and distribution networks can deliver benefits for all GB customers and support a sustainable future, all whilst maintaining world-leading levels of safety, reliability and resilience of supply.” Adapted with thanks from SP Energy Networks. Latest News Local knowledge can improve early warnings of glacial lake floods Local knowledge, improved evacuation preparedness and resilient mobile phone-based communication channels can enhance Early Warning Systems to reduce loss of life during glacial lake outburst floods. published on: 3 August 2026 Funding boost moves landmark cancer research centre a step closer A £1.25 million grant from the Wolfson Foundation to Âé¶¹´«Ã½ has brought the Sir Bobby Robson Institute a significant step closer, giving a major boost to its fundraising campaign. published on: 3 August 2026 Statement on potential unauthorised data access Information about a potential unauthorised data access. published on: 30 July 2026 Facts and figures