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Insight
Distribution System Operators: 10 things we learnt from SSEN
1
DSOs can be the lynchpins of a thriving net-zero economy. “For us, it’s about driving decarbonisation and linking the right availability of capacity with economic growth for our communities,” explains Andrew Roper, director of SSEN’s Distribution System Operator.
2
SSEN’s near real-time data access portal is setting a standard for the industry, claims the network… (Roper says the portal’s beta release “has really set the benchmark for the industry in terms of data transparency”)
3
…but it’s the Local Energy Net Zero Accelerator (LENZA) that is the jewel in the DSO crown. “LENZA is incredibly important,” says Roper, “because it enables interaction with local authorities at scale. This is transformational.”
(Want to learn more? We’ve got you covered here)
4
Decarbonisation of public buildings is the key area for local authorities. Local authority estates and operations are areas they have direct control over and can make quick wins – replacing lighting with LEDs, for example.
5
Most local authorities expect hydrogen to play a role in transport, and transport is now the biggest problem when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions. Did you know Aberdeen City Council has 85 hydrogen vehicles – a mixture of fuel cell and dual fuel – including double-decker buses, bin lorries and road sweepers?
6
Despite all these good things, local authorities are behind schedule when it comes to their net-zero ambitions. The results of a SSEN / Utility Week Intelligence survey point to councils being behind on meeting net-zero targets, with lack of funding the principal culprit.
(Want to find out about local authorities and decarbonisation? Read our report with SSEN, 2024: The year of the LAEP, here)
7
Decarbonisation has the potential to combat fuel poverty. “If we get decarbonisation right, we can tackle fuel poverty through lower bills, create healthier homes, and generate new social economic value,” explains Fraser Stewart, Just Transition lead at sustainable energy think tank Regen.
8
The DSO function can be a force for good in delivering an inclusive energy transition. “If you think upfront about the situations customers and communities live in, small changes can often bring people big rewards,” observes Simon O’Loughlin, Just Transition lead at SSEN Distribution.
9
The Just Transition means the needs of low income or vulnerable groups can be used to inform design and investment strategies. SSEN is getting in on the act with scenario modelling – traditionally an engineering exercise – as part of the Vulnerability Future Energy Scenarios project.
(Find out more about DSOs and the Just Transition here)
10
Being innovative and being profitable are not necessarily complementary. There’s often no ultimate bottom line benefit for DNOs with the innovation projects they are completing, yet there is absolutely a legitimate reason for us to be the ones driving them,” explains Stewart Reid, head of future networks, SSEN.
(To read Stewart’s column on innovation and SSEN, check out our latest report, Powering change on local networks)
Read all the reports in this series
