Preparing for an electrified future with Active Response
Challenge
Ricardo partnered with UK Power Networks (UKPN) and others on the Active Response project – an Ofgem-funded Network Innovation Competition initiative designed to explore smarter, more flexible ways of operating the electricity network.
Active Response uses power electronics and automated network reconfiguration to dynamically shift power from heavily loaded substations and feeders to nearby ones with lighter loads. This real-time balancing helps relieve network constraints, making better use of existing assets and potentially avoiding or deferring expensive reinforcement works. The aim was to demonstrate how this approach could enable faster, lower-cost connections for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and distributed generation, both critical to the UK’s Net Zero transition.
Solution
Building on our involvement in an earlier project that developed first-generation Soft Open Points (SOPs) and Soft Power Bridges (SPBs), Ricardo helped design, develop, and deliver the second-generation devices used in Active Response. These advanced power electronic devices enable controlled transfers of power between neighbouring networks using sophisticated AC–DC–AC technology which is a core enabler of the project’s solution.
Our experienced engineers designed the Active Response use-case and the operational scenarios that define when and how the solution reconfigures the network. Ricardo also carried out detailed cost–benefit analysis to optimise switching actions – minimising operational costs while maximising benefit.
In addition, Ricardo contributed to the creation of technical and operational standards to guide installation and operation of the equipment, supported hardware/software testing and commissioning, and helped design the field trials to ensure they delivered maximum learning value.
As work package lead for stakeholder engagement, Ricardo also identified key stakeholders early, kept them informed through the project’s lifecycle, and led much of the external communication. This included presenting findings at industry conferences, hosting webinars, and producing multimedia materials to share learnings across the wider industry.
Ricardo also led the project management work package, coordinating tasks, milestones, and deliverables across multiple partners, running progress meetings, and actively managing risks to keep the project on track.
Above: Representation of the Active Response solution installed on the HV and LV network.
Below: Graph showing load balancing following optimised feeder reconfiguration on the HV network.
Customer benefit
Active Response provides UK Power Networks with a proven toolkit to unlock hidden capacity in its network without always needing to invest in new cables, transformers or substations. This could enable faster, more cost-effective connections for customers, supporting the roll-out of EV charging infrastructure and the growth of distributed generation.
It has been estimated this solution could save customers £271 million and avoid 448,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions by 2030. Beyond the direct benefits, it also demonstrates how smart, data-driven solutions can enable a more flexible, resilient, and future-proof network, helping the UK accelerate progress toward Net Zero.