Liander makes first significant investment in smart grids by implementing the Locamation SASensor
Arnhem, Netherlands - This month, the Dutch grid manager, Liander, will begin
installing innovative operating systems at significant junctions in the electricity grid. These
new systems will ensure that power outages are shorter and will allow the energy supply to
become more sustainable. Liander engaged Locamation and Liandon to develop this
technology. This technology puts Liander at the forefront of international developments.
Implementation will take seven years at an approximate annual cost of € 15 million. It is the
first significant investment in smart medium-voltage grids in the Netherlands.
Duration of power outages reduced
The junctions in the electricity grid - the distribution substations - will be fully digitalised, which means that significant power outages can be solved more quickly. Where the system - the SASensor - is installed, power outages last 30% less on average. This is because it now takes less than a minute to identify the precise location of a power outage. Consequently, engineers can start restoring the electricity supply virtually immediately. As a result, a significant power outage lasts around an hour instead of one and a half hours. It will take seven years to digitalise the distribution substations throughout the grid. This is the first step on the way to the further digitalisation of the grid, gradually leading to greater reductions in the length of power outages in the future.
Sustainable energy supply a step closer
The digitalisation of the distribution substations - a first step in making the grids smart - plays an important role in the sustainable energy supply of the future. The voltage quality in the grid will be measured continuously. This is important for the reliability of the grid if more and more customers start generating and delivering back electricity using wind turbines or solar panels.
Trials successful
Over the past few years, Liander has digitalised several distribution substations and conducted
extensive tests. The technology has been developed further into a robust system. The first distribution
substations will be fully digitalised this year. All other junctions will follow. Currently there are no
comparable systems available on the market. Globally, Liander is taking the lead with this innovation.
About Liander
Liander is a Dutch regional grid manager, transporting electricity to 2.9 million customers and gas to
2.1 million customers in the provinces of Gelderland, Noord-Holland and large areas of Flevoland,
Friesland and Zuid-Holland. Liander is responsible for the maintenance, expansion and innovation of
its grids. Liander also allows its customers to purchase energy from their supplier of choice. Liander is
part of Alliander.
For more information
Alliander, Media Relations, Carlo van der Borgt, Spokesperson
Tel.: +31-26-844 2266, e-mail: woordvoering@alliander.com