Friday 1 July 2022

WPD launches new strategy to deal with net zero grid demand

Western Power Distribution (WPD) has announced a new low carbon heating strategy, to accommodate for the 628,000 heat pumps it expects to be connected to its network between 2023 and 2028.

It has released this new strategy to help customers connect to low carbon heating technologies quickly and more affordably – to help with the government’s goal of having 600,000 heat pump connections by 2028.

By this point, WPD has pledged to invest £6.7 billion into its network – to boost network capacity and deal with forthcoming net zero demands.

Various connections are going to be required for different customers, in order for WPD to deal with the impacts on new demands of its networks, the company has stated.

It has claimed it will work to ensure all its electrical systems can support district heating networks – with the grid having energy input at one central point, rather than through individual houses.

Other technologies including thermal storage, hydrogen and solar district heating plans have also been included in WPD’s preparations for the future, despite their current lack of deployment.

WPD has stated it will work with Sero and the POBL Housing Association to better understand the potential impact that net zero homes will have on the grid – and how the company will need to adapt.

Paul Jewell, WPD’s System Development Manager, said: “While insulation measures are crucial for decarbonising the UK’s housing stock, the efficiency of low carbon technologies relies on network operators like WPD and our ability to map homeowners’ future demand patterns, connect low carbon heating technologies in near real-time and reinforce the electricity network.

“This is how we will pave the way for reducing the carbon footprint of our homes and ultimately reach net zero by 2050.”