Active Network Management (ANM) is effectively a control system that manages green energy generation and load for specific purposes. It’s primarily an automated system.

So how does it work? If there is an expected increase in power generation in the near future then ANM can delay power from solar, wind and battery schemes being exported onto the grid network. In short, it stops too much power being put onto the grid network at any one time that could otherwise cause outages or system faults.

Where grid connections offers are in ANM areas then a percentage of curtailment will be applied on the permitted export capacity. For example, a 20MW solar export connection may have a 5 per cent level of curtailment. The level of curtailment is a critical component as to whether a scheme is financially viable. If there is a high curtailment percentage a development project will not get funding for the simple reason there will be a high risk the development will be prevented from being able to export power and hence revenue will be lost.

There is a LIFO (Last In, First Out) hierarchy which prioritises the oldest connections when issuing new connections. This enables new entrants to get access to capacity when it becomes available but subject to possible curtailment levels.

Curtailments on individual projects can range from say 2 per cent to 30+ per cent with each case being judged on its own merits and its geographical location within the grid network.

Further information

Contact David Grindley

Contact Savills Energy & Sustainability