Stedin and GE Power Mobilize New Technology for Renewable Power in the Netherlands

In a recent announcement, GE and Stedin, a distribution network operator (DNOs) in the Netherlands, went live with the first European implementation of Transmission Forecast (T-Forecast) software from GE’s Grid Solutions. Part of the Digital Energy portfolio, this new solution forecasts power flow across transmission and distribution and is built to help manage increasing levels of renewable energy generation.

Electrical grids were constructed to manage a uniform flow of electricity primarily powered by coal, petroleum and natural gas. The growth of distributed energy resources (DERs) – such as renewable wind and solar energy which ebb and flow based on weather patterns – coupled with the onset of micro-grids and storage alternatives, have increased the variability and complexity in energy flow. Renewable energy’s variability creates new stresses on the grid, including overload and congestion.

Based on GE’s DER Orchestration solution, the T-Forecast software enhances electric power flow look-ahead visibility at the point of interconnection. This allows both Stedin and the transmission system operator (TSO) in the Netherlands to better manage the variability and intermittency of renewable energy generation. The T-Forecast software leverages the TSO’s Balance Responsible Parties declarations and machine learning technologies to compute a reliable forecast of the power flow at 39 primary substations. This supports Stedin’s compliance with regulations associated the EU’s “third energy package" (directive 2009/72/EC and regulation (EC) 714/2009), in particular the codes related to forecasting load flows in the electrical grid.

Stedin is also focused on flexible deployment initiatives – enabling flexible generation and consumption – as an alternative to grid reinforcements. With GE’s T-Forecast solution, Stedin is able to predict where flexible deployment is necessary, thereby lowering the risk of an unbalanced grid or local overload, even when levels of decentralized generation are high and ensuring a stable electricity supply.

“We are excited to deepen our relationship with GE through the implementation of the T-Forecast software solution. With this new technology, we will be able to better predict the energy load flows in the electrical grid, and in turn, we can increase efficiency and reliability for our customers,” said Peter Hermans, CTO, Stedin. “As renewable energy usage continues to increase, this technology provides a seamless path for future required functionalities and market interactions, including using flexibility for congestion management.”

“We are pleased to work with Stedin in delivering GE’s first implementation of T-Forecast technology in Europe,” said Steven Martin, chief digital officer, GE Power. “A joint view of forecasting with high accuracy allows the TSO to balance their transmission grid while allowing Stedin to avoid congestion at the DNO level.”