EAST Renfrewshire has been chosen as the first place on the planet to test new technology that is set to revolutionise the way electricity is provided. 

Project Phoenix is underway at Neilston substation – helping to smooth the transition from traditional energy generation to renewable power.

The one-year pilot project is being run by SP Energy Networks, which expects it to cut network operating costs by around £60million and, as a result, lead to cheaper bills and a reduction in the area’s carbon footprint.

Maintaining stability in the electricity network as a transition from fossil fuels to cleaner, greener sources of energy gathers pace is seen as a key challenge for the industry.

As traditional fossil fuel generation is replaced by more renewable energy such as wind farms, the network system has to be fit for purpose to provide the stability and resilience needed.

SP Energy Networks said the pioneering Phoenix project will help address these system issues and ensure customers receive an uninterrupted and stable supply of electricity.

Colin Taylor, director of processes and technology at SP Energy Networks, told the Barrhead News: “I’m very proud that we have been able to drive forward with the Phoenix project this year, despite the recent pandemic and it’s challenges.

“This world first innovative project has just reached a key milestone following the commencement of its live trial.

“Technology like this allows us to accommodate more renewable generation on our electricity system while maintaining levels of system stability and resilience.

“Globally leading and innovative projects such as Phoenix are not only important from a network perspective but also from a green recovery and net zero perspective, helping us to deliver a better future, quicker, for our customers.”

SP Energy Networks plans to analyse live trial data to prove the concept before looking at rolling out the technology to other locations.

It is hoped the one-year trial in Neilston will save more than 62,000 tonnes of carbon emissions, which is equivalent to the electricity use of more than 6,000 homes.