Powering up for Net Zero: The future of grid management

For the first article in our Powering up for Net Zero article series, Charlotte Bragg looks at how we can optimise the grid for Net Zero, detailing why smarter grid management is the cornerstone of our transition to a sustainable energy future.

The road to a Net Zero energy future is paved with innovation – and at the heart of it is smarter grid management. As we face the dual pressures of decarbonising energy systems and ensuring reliable supply, the way we manage electricity grids must evolve. With increasing renewable generation, fluctuating energy demands, and electrification of transport and heating, the grid needs to be more adaptive than ever. This is where smart grid technologies, active network management, and demand response programs come into play, transforming grid management from a reactive system into a dynamic and intelligent network.

Smart grid technologies

Smart grid technologies represent a game-changing shift in how we balance supply and demand. Traditionally, grid operators have responded to demand surges or energy shortfalls by turning generation assets on or off. But with smart grids, this process becomes more sophisticated and efficient. Through real-time monitoring and automated controls, smart grids can predict demand patterns, incorporate distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar and wind, and adjust the flow of electricity accordingly. This not only reduces energy waste but also increases grid resilience, allowing us to integrate more renewable energy without compromising stability.

One of the key tools in smarter grid management is active network management (ANM). ANM systems allow for better integration of renewable energy by monitoring the network in real-time to prevent overloading and avoid unnecessary reinforcements. For instance, in areas with high renewable generation – where energy from wind farms or solar installations fluctuates based on weather conditions – ANM helps manage congestion sending signals to reduce excess power to ensure that the grid operates within its limits. This reduces the need for costly infrastructure upgrades while maximising the use of existing assets.

Demand side response (DSR) programs offer another layer of flexibility. Traditionally, energy supply has been adjusted to meet demand, but DSR flips this model by incentivising consumers to adjust their usage during peak times, even offering this as an automated service to assist in load shedding. This can involve large-scale industrial consumers reducing their electricity use during high-demand periods, or households using smart meters to shift energy-intensive tasks (such as running a washing machine) to off-peak hours. By aligning consumption with generation, especially during times of high renewable output, DSR helps flatten peaks and will play a vital role in removing gigawatts from peak demand periods, reducing the overall strain on the grid and therefore costly future reinforcement.

So why does this matter for achieving Net Zero?

The answer lies in efficiency. Smarter grid management optimises the use of existing infrastructure, meaning we can make the most of the grid we already have rather than constantly expanding it to meet increasing demand. This has significant economic benefits, as avoiding costly infrastructure projects can help keep energy prices stable. Moreover, by integrating renewables more effectively and ensuring they are used when they are most abundant, we accelerate our shift away from fossil fuels, cutting emissions across the board.

In the context of the wider energy market, smarter grid management is about building a grid that can accommodate a diverse mix of energy sources – both centralised and distributed. As we move towards decentralised energy systems, with prosumers (consumers who also generate energy) playing an increasingly important role, the grid must be able to adapt to more dynamic energy flows. Smarter grid management supports this transition, ensuring that energy is efficiently shared and stored, and that the grid remains resilient in the face of growing complexity.

Beyond the technical benefits, smarter grid management also supports the broader goal of sustainability. By maximising the use of renewables, reducing the need for new infrastructure, and engaging consumers in energy management, it directly contributes to decarbonisation efforts. Furthermore, it aligns with the principle of Just Transition, ensuring that the shift to a cleaner energy system is economically viable and accessible to all. It empowers businesses and individuals to take control of their energy use and encourages the efficient allocation of resources.

SLR offers a suite of grid services designed to maximise efficiency, enable the integration of renewable energy, and help overcome the challenges associated with grid capacity and management.

By leveraging real-time data and sophisticated modelling in dynamic cable rating studies, we have developed tools that help monitor the thermal performance of cables. This allows for dynamic adjustments that optimise power transmission and reduce costs, directly contributing to smarter, more efficient grid management. Our expertise also extends to wide area network (WAN) studies, which analyse network conditions to identify opportunities to integrate new renewable energy projects into the grid efficiently. This supports the broader objective of active network management by ensuring that generation assets can connect as seamlessly as possible.

As the grid evolves to become smarter and more responsive, our services are invaluable in helping energy providers, developers, and grid operators meet the technical and regulatory challenges of a modern, low-carbon energy system. Our work in power systems modelling and grid code compliance further strengthens the grid’s ability to manage demand and integrate renewable energy smoothly, positioning them as a key partner in the transition to a sustainable energy future.