SIF BLADE- Future Black Start Restoration from Low Carbon Technologies

This is the opening note to a special technical session on SIF BLADE, Black Start Demonstrator Using OffShore Wind. The project aim being developing solutions to allow Offshore Wind Generation to become part of future Restoration Services.

The world is in a transition from Fossil Fuel to Low Carbon Generation, changing the way our Power Systems behave. As part of Power System Operational Planning, we must ensure that we can restore a network in the event of a National Power Outage. This presentation sets the scene on the restoration journey currently under way on the SPEnergyNetworks Transmission and Distribution Networks, and subsequently the whole of the UK. The Scottish Power System has been at the forefront of the transition to Net Zero, and now operates with limited, traditional Fossil fuel generation. This presentation tells the story of how SPEN has challenged the historic process of restoration. It details the journey in SPEN’s approach to firstly tap into Low Carbon and Distributed Generation as an alternative means of restoration. Detailing the innovation project of Distributed Restart, where the Network is restored from Distribution Connected Generators, and how this has moved into a UK Strategy. This has been the starting point for SIF BLADE to develop methods to utilise Transmission Connected offshore wind generation to be able to provide restoration services. This presentation demonstrates how and why we must ensure that future networks can still provide restoration using inverter-based technologies.

It will set the scene for the subsequent papers in the SIF BLADE Special session that will future expand on the Technical, Commercial and Regulatory elements in developing solutions that will allow Offshore Wind Generation to not only participate in Restoration services but also to accelerate restoration. Looking not only the typical AC Network connections but also the HVDC connected providers.