Multi-million pound electricity grid research centre opens in Scotland

The University of Strathclyde’s Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) was officially opened by Scotland’s First Minister today (15 May 2013).

The centre, the first of its kind in Europe, has been established in response to growing demands for secure, reliable and environmentally-friendly electricity across the globe.

The PNDC aims to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies and convert ideas and research into low carbon solutions for the electricity industry of the future.

The world-class centre is home to researchers, engineers and industry specialists who are developing new research and technologies, from advanced grid control schemes to intelligent sensor systems, in the facility’s controlled and safe environment.

The 900-square-metre building is equipped with high quality, innovative control and simulations systems and is home to a real-life, reconfigurable power network independent from the national grid.

Located in Cumbernauld near Glasgow, the PNDC is a venture between the University of Strathclyde, ScottishPower Energy Networks, Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution, Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Funding Council.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: “This is a truly world-class research centre and the first of its kind in Europe, clearly reinforcing that Scotland is leading the way when it comes to the new ideas, new solutions and new practices that will help us meet the electricity and energy needs of the future.

“Smart grid technologies are increasingly important as we move to a low-carbon economy, helping to reduce energy waste and making it easier for homes and businesses to generate their own renewable energy. Our ambitious plans for this sector demonstrate that it has the potential to create up to 12,000 jobs by 2020.

“I am therefore delighted to open this hugely innovative research centre, which is a fantastic example of researchers, engineers and industry specialists working together to improve energy efficiency. This firmly putting Scotland at the forefront of smart electrical technologies and setting new standards in electrical distribution.”

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde, said: "As a leading international technological university, our research capabilities and long-standing partnerships with industry put us in an ideal place to develop the next generation of electrical power systems technologies. The Centre will remove many of the barriers to these technologies, improve energy efficiency, ensure that we maintain a secure supply of power and define grids of the future – setting new standards in electrical distribution.

"The launch of the PNDC demonstrates our focus on useful learning across the University and our reputation for high quality research with impact and relevance continues to attract leading industry partners.

“Our close links to business and industry helped Strathclyde win this year’s UK University of the Year title, and the PNDC demonstrates these close partnerships in action.”

Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: “The PNDC is part of a growing cluster of research & development activity which is establishing Scotland as a world-leader in the innovation, development and design of the next generation of renewable energy and related technologies.

“This concentration of activity is acting as a catalyst for both attracting inward investment into Scotland and in creating the right environment for our own companies to take advantage of growth opportunities.

“The new Smart Grid action plan will build on this by capitalising on opportunities for companies to generate revenue from smart grid-related products, address skills development, and promote the use of our Smart Grid asset base.”

Frank Mitchell, CEO of ScottishPower Energy Networks, said: “The Power Networks Demonstration Centre is a state-of-the-art facility that has an important role to play in helping to drive innovation and develop the Smart Grid required for the 21st century. Smart Grids will allow many more customers to install distributed generation, support electric vehicles, reduce carbon emissions and improve services for our customers.

“We are on the verge of delivering the largest upgrades to our electricity networks in more than half a century - which will see billions of pounds of investment and create thousands of jobs. Partnerships like the Power Networks Demonstration Centre are a vital part of the energy industry’s plans to ensure this investment meets the future needs of our customers in Scotland and across Britain.”

Stuart Hogarth, Director of Distribution at Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution, said: “We are very proud to be founding members of the Power Networks Demonstration Centre. Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution (SSEPD) has a dynamic programme of Research and Development focussed on improving the networks, many of these using "Smart Grid" technologies. Partnership working is an important part of our approach and by collaborating with stakeholders from academia, industry, the public and the third sector we can ensure our projects are relevant and provide real benefits."

Laurence Howells, interim chief executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said: “The Funding Council is pleased to see the Power Networks Distribution Centre is going from strength to strength building on SFC’s earlier investment and offering Scottish universities such a valuable opportunity to work with businesses large and small as Scotland constructs power grids for the 21^st Century.”

Dr Iliana Portugues, Director, Power Networks Demonstration Centre, said: “The challenges faced by the electricity industry are global and will require significant changes to the way we operate networks. One belief shared amongst all our founders is that this change, along with all the uncertainty and discomfort, really does bring opportunity. Our aim, as a group, is not to accept change passively, but to lead it and to manage it creatively.

“Initiatives such as the Power Networks Demonstration Centre achieve this through a new type of collaboration, one which does not affect objectivity, independence or uniqueness. For the health of our individual enterprises, for the good of the society we serve, and the fortunes of those who follow us.”