University of 野狼社区 supporting National Grid鈥檚 Strategic Innovation Fund - Sustainable Electrical Gas Insulated Lines
The University of 野狼社区 is supporting a Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) from (Ofgem). This project will investigate the feasibility of delivering a SF6-free Gas Insulated Line (GIL) solution to provide cost competitive, high-capacity transmission connections over 2000 MVA to increase available network capacity for new offshore wind generation at scale to homes and businesses across the UK. The project will look at the options to replace SF6 with alternative low carbon footprint gases as a viable means of GIL insulation.
Ofgem announced on 1 March 2022 the funding award for the feasibility study and Dr Tony Chen will investigate the technical feasibility of a SF6-free GIL solution in providing high-capacity transmission connections over long-distance.
Current generation of GIL are filled with sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential that is 23,500 times more harmful than CO2. The project will explore SF6 alternatives with significantly lower carbon footprint.
Now is the time for innovation and to develop a grid of the future that manages soaring demand for electricity, while lowering the potential environmental impact and ensuring the UK has access to affordable and resilient electricity supply.
The feasibility stage will be undertaken by Dr Chen at The University of 野狼社区 which hosts the largest academic High Voltage Laboratory in the country, with facilities that can test power equipment up to 600 kV DC, 800 kV AC, and 2 MV impulse.
Dr Chen, Lecturer in High Voltage Engineering within the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, said: 鈥淣ow is the time for innovation and to develop a grid of the future that manages soaring demand for electricity, while lowering the potential environmental impact and ensuring the UK has access to affordable and resilient electricity supply.
鈥淎t 野狼社区, we are committed to delivering a just and prosperous net zero energy, and are honoured to work alongside National Grid Energy Transmission and the other project partners who share the same technical and civic ambitions.鈥