TNEI has been working with Regen, National Grid Electricity Distribution and Energy Local on the Geoprint for Energy Club Connections and Operations (GECCO) project, exploring whether local energy balancing, the coordination of local generation and demand within a defined area, could make better use of existing grid capacity, reduce pressure on the network, defer costly reinforcement and unlock new renewable connections sooner.
A key learning so far is that local balancing is not just a theoretical concept. Previous schemes have shown it can reduce network pressure, enable both new generation and new demand to connect and create measurable financial value. However, not every local supply or market model is relevant for GECCO’s aims. The project has so far reviewed different emerging UK local energy models and grouped them into broad categories, concluding that these models play different roles depending on how directly they interact with the grid and whether they can support meaningful, network-specific balancing.
Sarah Sheehy, Principal Consultant has been working on this project and comments “I am really pleased to see these early insights from our project partner, Regen, on GECCO published. With local and community energy playing an increasingly important role in the transition, there is huge potential to empower communities to take a greater role. I’m excited to support this valuable work and its positive impact.”
Read the full blog post by Regen here: https://www.regen.co.uk/insights/can-local-energy-balancing-unlock-stalled-renewables-what-were-learning-from-gecco
Project background
The GECCO project introduces a new concept, a connection arrangement known as the ‘Geoprint Connection’. This concept is designed to address these barriers directly by enabling local energy clubs to collaboratively connect generation and demand within a designated geographical boundary. With a ‘Geoprint’, community energy groups can identify optimal connection points more efficiently, helping to reduce their costs and accelerate their project timelines. This innovative approach not only simplifies the connection process but also opens the door to more sustainable local energy clubs that are resilient, economically viable, and capable of supporting all customers.
The Geoprint model presents an opportunity to challenge existing regulatory constraints. Achieving it presents the need for adjustments to codes and regulations, such as DNO License Conditions, Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC), as well as possibly others such as the Connection and Use of System Code (CUSC), GB Grid Code and Distribution Connection and Use of System Agreement (DCUSA), which currently limit localised support for community energy projects. By demonstrating the technical and economic feasibility of energy club connections, this project aims to justify regulatory amendments that would enable community-led energy solutions to become a standard part of network operation.
TNEI understands the strategic importance of this project in unlocking the potential of community energy. We are committed to applying our expertise in power systems and electrical engineering, network analysis, community engagement, while supported also by a strong capability in data science and environmental aspects such as planning and permitting, to deliver meaningful outcomes that align with the objectives of the GECCO project and the broader net-zero agenda.
Our role focuses on defining and assessing the technical requirements for Geoprint Connections, undertaking detailed network analysis, and developing a repeatable methodology for BAU implementation.
Want to find out more on this topic or have a similar project you would like help with? Get in touch with our experts.
