TSB offers fund for developing power distribution systems

The funding will go towards feasibility studies aimed at stimulating innovation in automated power distribution and demand management.

According to a statement, the funding competition is the first element of a planned portfolio of investment into power network innovations and forms the exploratory phase of the programme, which will be funded and managed by the Technology Strategy Board.

Iain Gray, chief executive of the Technology Strategy Board, said: ‘By 2050, there will be a complex mix of energy-generating assets, including everything from nuclear power stations to offshore wind turbines and solar cells on people’s houses.

‘At the same time, demand for power will go up and the power sector will need to manage new requirements, such as the electrification of heating systems and the incorporation of electric vehicles into the electricity system.

‘In this complex future grid, the challenge will be to match demand and supply. The scope of this initial funding competition will, therefore, focus on real-time monitoring, control, analysis and the balancing of supply with demand.’