The client
Plutus Powergen (PPG) is an AIM-listed power company focused on the development, construction and operation of flexible energy generation projects in the UK.
As part of their aim to help mitigate the current and forecast risk of an energy deficit, PPG manage a portfolio of 20MW power sites, which can be switched on at a moment’s notice at times of peak demand.
The challenge
To continue to participate in National Grid’s Fast Reserve programme, PPG had a requirement to integrate their sites with National Grid’s Platform for Ancillary Services (PAS), a flexible dispatch platform to allow National Grid to automate their dispatch process.
PPG engaged TrueNorth to deliver the Information Technology aspects of the project, based on our PAS Participant Framework.
The solution
TrueNorth worked closely with PPG and National Grid’s technical team to deliver the integration. As a result, PPG were the first supplier to successfully pass National Grid’s market participant testing for Fast Reserve.
The Framework implemented by our consultants uses specialist Internet of Things edge gateways that connect to PPG’s existing hardware. Data is securely routed to the PAS Participant Services system to provide metering data and to monitor the status of PPG’s turbines.
PAS Participant Services also sends availability notifications to National Grid, enabling PPG to take advantage of any availability windows awarded during the tender process.
The system includes a web portal to allow authorised users to monitor the system from a PC or mobile device. Operators can change configurations and perform manual operations quickly and securely.
“Working with TrueNorth took the pain away from implementing National Grid’s PAS service, leaving us to focus on our core business. Their deep experience in systems integration was obvious, and they built a strong working relationship with National Grid’s technical team, which was invaluable in Plutus successfully passing National Grid’s market participant testing.”
Paul Lazarevic, COO, Plutus Powergen PLC
