SP Energy Networks has been awarded almost £5m to Blade – a project that will investigate and demonstrate how offshore wind farms can be used to restore the electricity network following a national power outage.
The funding has come from Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund.
The Blade project is adopting a whole systems approach, working with partners such as SSEN, National HVDC Centre, University of Strathclyde and Carbon Trust as well as an advisory panel.
This is made up of offshore wind farm developers and original equipment manufacturers to influence the design of a potential commercial mechanism to be adopted industry-wide.
The project will provide key learnings for the industry and enable offshore wind farms to provide restoration services, offering an alternative source of restoration that is low in carbon, contributing to the UK’s net zero targets.