For complex generation connections, getting to energisation takes more than connecting the network. It takes technical expertise, regulatory understanding and close coordination between multiple parties.
That was the challenge facing the team delivering Farburn Terrace, a 33kV, 30MW import/export BEGA-connected Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Aberdeen.
For Jess Ryan, who recently joined Leep’s Strategic Team as Electric Project Manager, it was also one of her first Leep projects – and an opportunity to demonstrate the role an IDNO can play in helping a complex generation connection reach successful energisation.
A complex connection
Larger generation connections bring together a developing set of technical, regulatory and commissioning requirements. At Farburn Terrace, delivery involved coordination between the client, ICPs, IDNO, DNO, NESO and multiple other stakeholders.
There were three ICPs involved in the project, adding another layer of coordination as the various elements of the network came together.
Coming into the project towards the end of the delivery programme, Jess’s role was focused on helping the team navigate the final stages and create a clear route to energisation.
“By bringing together technical knowledge, regulatory understanding and practical coordination, the IDNO can help clients and project teams navigate complex connections and reach energisation safely and efficiently.” – Jess Ryan, Electric Project Manager
Bringing the pieces together
Throughout the project, Leep provided support across a number of critical areas, including:
- Providing technical and industry expertise
- Helping the project team navigate the requirements for a BEGA-connected site
- Coordinating between the client, three ICPs, SSE and other stakeholders
- Supporting the planning and delivery of energisation activities
- Reviewing the information required to safely energise and commission the network
- Establishing a clear route through the remaining commissioning and compliance requirements
For Jess, the experience reinforced the value of having an IDNO involved as more than simply the organisation responsible for operating the network.
As Jess noted, “The IDNO can act as a knowledgeable link between the different parties, helping to join up technical, regulatory and practical considerations and keep the project moving towards energisation.”
The final push
As with many complex infrastructure projects, the final stages brought their own challenges.
Successful energisation required close collaboration between everyone involved, with some final troubleshooting taking place on site before the network was successfully energised.
That final result was the culmination of work across the whole project team – and a good example of why effective coordination is so important when multiple organisations and technical requirements come together.
Jess also highlighted the contribution of Green Frog Connect, Leep’s ICP partner on the project, who is increasingly specialising in EHV connections.
Jess commented “It was great to work alongside Green Frog Connect on this project. They’re building some strong capability in the EHV space, and I expect we’ll see much more of their work on projects like this in the future.”
More than a connection
As the UK’s energy system evolves, projects such as battery storage are becoming an increasingly important part of the infrastructure needed to support a more flexible electricity network.
But connecting these larger, more complex projects isn’t simply about getting the physical connection in place.
It’s about understanding the requirements, bringing the right people together, managing the detail and making sure the network is ready to be energised safely and compliantly.
Although the connection is now live, Leep’s role as the IDNO continues. We will support the customer through the remaining NESO compliance process and work collaboratively to complete live G99 commissioning, supporting the project’s progression towards its Final Operational Notification (FON).
Farburn Terrace is a strong example of the role an experienced IDNO can play in that process – providing the expertise and coordination needed to help clients and delivery partners navigate complexity and get projects over the line.
Network adoptions done right.