Energy transmission and distribution innovation and resilience
With a strong innovation culture, Arup is leading the way in developing innovative solutions to help address grid challenges in the clean energy transition.
We use innovative approaches, such as digital twins, to find novel solutions for complex physical problems. Our goal is to provide energy clients with an improved understanding of their network and consumers’ behaviour, and insights into how to meet demand with increased flexibility.
The resilience of the electricity network is increasingly under threat from extreme events, either due to natural phenomena or human intervention. As heat and transport are electrified, customers will increasingly rely on the grid for a reliable service. Our energy team helps clients to understand their vulnerabilities and build resilience.
Our expertise helps electricity network operators protect their people, assets and operations in a rapidly changing world.
As we move toward a decarbonised energy system, we are increasingly connecting a greater number of renewable energy sources to the national grid. The majority of the UK’s renewable electricity is produced in the North despite the South consuming greater quantities of energy. However, at peak production times, the southward transmission of power can exceed the thermal capacity of the grid, leading the National Grid Electricity System Operator to pay to constrain renewable generation and supplement energy demand with predominantly fossil fuel generation.
Hydrogen production facilities could reduce regional thermal constraints by utilising electricity from renewables that would otherwise need to be constrained. The low carbon hydrogen generated can then be used as an alternative to fossil fuels in industry, heating or transport to help decarbonise the UK economy.
National Grid Electricity System Operator and National Gas Transmission, as part of their Network Innovation Allowance funding, commissioned Arup to explore the technical, commercial, and economic case for electrolytic hydrogen production facilities to help manage thermal constraints on the electricity transmission system.
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Projects
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Early-stage advice on the foundation design for a Scotland offshore substation
Stoura Offshore Wind Farm, UK
Supporting the successful delivery of Denmark’s largest offshore wind farm
Project Thor, Denmark
Developing a sustainable biomethane fuel production plant in Spain
Biomethane Initiatives JV – Noez Plant, Spain
First hillside solar plant in the Philippines
Cayanga Hillside Solar Farm, Philippines
Transmission & distribution
From expanding transmission capacity to integrating smart technologies that enhance grid resilience, Arup is a trusted advisor in clean, affordable and resilient systems, supporting the energy transition at both utility and urban scale.