Grid connections

A crucial part of every embedded generation energy project is ensuring a cost-effective and technically suitable grid connection is provided to programme and within budget.

We provide services to wind farm developments and other types of embedded generation in three areas:

• Design of on-site electrical systems
• Design, negotiation and managing installation of grid connection to the DNO's network
• Provision of stability studies to DNOs to assess the impact of embedded generation on the DNO network

We are founded on a wealth of electrical engineering and utility experience, which we use to optimise the security and resilience of our designs whilst ensuring minimum costs for our clients. An initial study is carried out to determine the DNO point of connection and provide the client with feasibility costs, as well as an on-site assessment of electrical works and wayleave requirements. We then make a formal request to the DNO for a grid connection and analyse the response to ensure compatibility with customers' requirements, and that it represents the minimum cost point of connection. Following this, we can make a request for full connection agreement and initiate wayleaves.

Our experienced team will work to provide costs, either from the DNO or contestable contractors as appropriate and manage the DNO connection including any contestable works and completion of wayleaves. We also undertake a construction management role to manage the installation and integration of the on-site electrical and earthing systems including G59 protection, export/ import and ROC metering.

Provision of grid connections is a technically complex and challenging activity, with major contraints on the DNOs' networks, and significant implications for the developer each time a connection is delayed. UPL’s detailed understanding of regulatory obligations, engineering standards, generator/ turbine technical details and project management ethos ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.