UK Power Networks Taps 50 Million Pounds to Spark Flexibility Frenzy
Imagine a world where your batteries can back up the entire power grid when the lights go on the most. That’s the future UK Power Networks is powering up now, announcing a £50 million fund that will cover over 130 sites in its biggest ever open tender.
Why This Is a Game‑Changer
- 250 MW of Flex – the operator wants a whopping quarter‑of‑a‑gigawatt of flexible capacity.
- First‑ever extra‑high‑voltage sites up for grabs – a new playground for innovators who once only had low‑voltage jam.
- Contracts run until 2028, locking in supply for the five‑year price‑control window from 2023 to 2028.
- The tender is open from January 11‑20 2021, after pre‑qualification concludes on December 8.
Putting the “Power” in “Portfolio”
Behind the numbers lies a bold strategy: instead of building more substations or laying extra cables – both expensive and carbon‑heavy – UK Power Networks is turning the grid into a smart, responsive beast.
By harnessing low‑carbon distributed energy resources such as batteries and demand‑side response, the network can get the boost it needs on peak days. These flexible assets act like digital YouTubers, adjusting their output in real‑time to keep the lights on.
In the Words of a Grid Hero
“We’re forging ahead with a flexibility market that is open, transparent, and accessible. We’re now opening more sites backed by more funding than ever before, and, for the first ever time in the UK, at every level from low voltage to extra high voltage.” – Sotiris Georgiopoulos, Head of Smart Grid Development
His message is clear: the success so far is because the market was built hand‑in‑hand with the very people who want to play in it. That collaboration birthed contracts that are as flexible as a yoga instructor – ranging from six months to seven years, and with minimum volumes as low as 10 kW.
What Comes Next?
- These opportunities span all three of UK Power Networks’ licence areas: London, the South East, and the East of England.
- Participants can choose from traditional contracts (fixed fee, set service) or client‑centric contracts that let providers decide during real‑time events.
- By scaling this model, the operating company aims to cut costs for consumers and drive a greener, smarter future.
So, if you’ve got a battery, a clever smart‑meter, or a nifty demand‑side solution, keep an eye on the tender dates. The grid is listening, and it’s ready to take the next wave of flexibility from entrepreneurs like you.
