SP Energy Networks has begun trials to assess whether offshore wind can be used to restart the UK electricity grid following a national power outage.
The company said the work forms part of its three-year Blade project, which involves collaboration with SSEN Transmission, offshore wind developers including SSE Renewables and Ørsted, and the National HVDC Centre.
SP Energy Networks stated the trials will model different grid restoration methods using offshore wind in a specialist laboratory environment.
Eddie Mulholland, director of processes and technology at SP Energy Networks, said: “This project will help shape the future, not just of the GB grid but electricity networks worldwide.”
Mulholland added: “The UK has one of the biggest offshore wind markets in the world and being able to harness that power to restart the grid offers the system operator more options in the event of any emergency.”
SP Energy Networks noted the Blade project builds on its previous Distributed ReStart initiative and is supported by the Strategic Innovation Fund and The Carbon Trust’s Offshore Wind Accelerator programme.