Volta: Real Time Prediction

Project summary

This project will provide the control room with a modern Real-time Demand Predictor solution that supports real-time decision making. The current approach is based on historical data and methodologies and as the energy transition gathers pace theses will not provide the Control Room the level of insight and decision support required going forward. Modern algorithms and data analysis techniques will be developed and tested with the outcomes and learning feed into ongoing NESO project deliveries. This will assist NESO in its operational decision-making process as the complexity of managing a net zero carbon network increases.

Benefits
  • Improved reliability of the operation and maintaining frequency and stability
  • Optimal dispatch (since this tool is the input to the core optimiser) 
  • Reduced balanced costs by around £43 million (calculated based on an average cost of £100MWh) if this new tool can achieve a 50MW reduction in real time error, resulting in fewer real-time balancing actions.
Name Status Project reference number Start date Proposed End date Expenditure
Volta: Real Time Prediction
 Live NIA2_NESO105 Jan 2025 Jan 2026 £1,600,000
Summary

This project will provide the control room with a modern Real-time Demand Predictor solution that supports real-time decision making. The current approach is based on historical data and methodologies and as the energy transition gathers pace theses will not provide the Control Room the level of insight and decision support required going forward. Modern algorithms and data analysis techniques will be developed and tested with the outcomes and learning feed into ongoing NESO project deliveries. This will assist NESO in its operational decision-making process as the complexity of managing a net zero carbon network increases.

Benefits
  • Improved reliability of the operation and maintaining frequency and stability
  • Optimal dispatch (since this tool is the input to the core optimiser)
  • Reduced balanced costs by around £43 million (calculated based on an average cost of £100MWh) if this new tool can achieve a 50MW reduction in real time error, resulting in fewer real-time balancing actions.

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