SPEC Ltd - Grid Connection Capabilities

Grid Connections

About UsSPEC Ltd started in August 2000 as a total substation support contractor. Since itsincorporation, SPEC Ltd has become renowned for its services covering voltages upto the 132kV power substation services, down to the mains 415v power networks.With a client base ranging UK wide and overseas, SPEC has gained an exceptional reputationand knowledge base within its field, reflecting in its growth within the 17 years of trading. Withthis growth, SPEC Ltd have expanded nationally with the head office in Wakefield and branchesin Aldershot, Oxford, Newcastle and Bromsgrove.SPEC Ltd provide maintenance packages, tailored to either an operate and maintain or maintainonly. Working directly with the end users, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs), maincontractors, sub-contractors and FM providers, SPEC are capable of engineering any service tosuit any situation.In addition to these services SPEC Ltd provide contestable connections and are a NERsaccredited contractor upto 132kV. This bolt on allows SPEC ltd to offer more rounded solutionsto our clients; we can; “Design, Connect, Build & Maintain”.

Connection Services“You have a choice” is the unofficial motto of the competition in connections code ofpractice. Just because the DNO own the network in the area you require yourconnection it doesn’t mean you have to accept the full quotation from them.Competition gives you a choice and ensures the best possible service for you as thecustomer.Your quotation from the DNO will be split into two sections; Contestable & Non-Contestableworks.Non-Contestable works can only be carried out by the relevant DNO (this is ordinarily works theDNO need to carry out to facilitate your connection onto their network).Contestable works can be carried out by either the DNO or by an accredited contractor;Companies that provide these services are known as an Independent Connection Providers(ICP). These require accreditation via the National Electrical Registration Scheme (NERS)/LloydsRegister; SPEC Ltd are a NERs accredited contractor upto 132kVAs an ICP SPEC Ltd can carry out the following services under the contestable works; ● Application for Point of Connection offers and liaison with the DNO ● Design Works for your new connection ● Procure materials and plant for the connection works ● Trench excavation and duct installation - on site ● Trench excavation and duct installation - on public highway ● Construction of substation buildings and other civil works - on site ● Cable Installation ● Substation plant installation and cold commissioning ● Excavation for jointing bay - on site ● Excavation for jointing bay - public highway ● Testing & Recording of assets installed by ICPSPEC Ltd is required to work in accordance with the national framework and relevant DNOdocuments that provide specifications for design, material procurement and installation andrecording of assets (G81s). The new connection (up to the start of your electrical installation)will then be adopted by the DNO and become part of their electricity network on satisfactoryfinal inspection, testing and connection. The DNO will then own the new connection from thattime, and will take responsibility for future operation, repair, maintenance and replacement(subject to any guarantee requirements of the Adoption Agreement).

MarketsSPEC Ltd offer Connection Services as an ICP to the following markets; • Battery Storage • Data Centres • Standby Power & STOR • Commercial & Industrial Units • Onshore Wind Turbines • Ground Mounted Solar Farms • Energy from Waste Plants • Biomass PlantsIn addition to connection services SPEC Ltd offer a full service offeringfor HV/LV Installation works including a comprehensive Operations &Maintenance package for the installed assets.

Battery StorageThe increasing need for flexibility to support intermittent renewables has brought batterystorage into commercial reality. Grid scale battery storage will play an important role in helpingto manage second by second fluctuations in demand, helping to keep the grid stable.SPEC Ltd see Battery Storage as the missing ingredient in the current distribution networkconfiguration as the nation moves forward with “Smart-Grid” very much becoming a realisticfuture for the network.We are at the forefront of helping develop these projects, even down to identifying capacity andsuitable sites right through to connecting the site to the grid and offering an EPC Wrap withO&M Services.Data CentresThe Data Centre Risk Index 2013 (DCRI) found that the lowest-risk European country in whichto locate a data centre is the UK. The DCRI report examined 30 of the most vital global marketsand the risks likely to affect their operation of data centres. The UK’s top ranking is thanks tothe country’s political stability, international internet bandwidth capacity and its data centreresilience.SPEC Ltd can assist with the grid connection and power requirements for Data Centres. We canassist with the upfront feasibility works in regards to targeting electrical capacity in thenetwork, applying for the connection, liaising with the local DNO, compilation and issue ofdetailed design, carrying out connection works and substation construction.

Standby PowerThe UK during certain periods has significant electricity demand from the National Grid, andwith such demand can come instability. The grid experiences peaks and troughs in its electricityusage, with higher than forecast usage causing problems for stability, along with the uncertaintyof the generation availability. In order to balance these possible scenarios, fast on-demandgeneration is required. The way of achieving this is through the deployment of Short TermOperating Reserve generation (STOR), a balancing service, where the provider delivers standbyor emergency power when required. This differs from large scale renewable generation whichdelivers electricity to the grid inconsistently, due to periodic unavailability of its renewablesource. STOR generators are required to generate power within a stipulated time periodcontracted to National Grid.SPEC Ltd are working with a number of STOR operators in regards carrying out connections togrid and balance of plant work. We can also offer a full Engineering Procurement Construct(EPC) package which can include civil works, design and construction, supply, installation andcommissioning of generation plant, mechanical and HV/LV electrical services.These services are at the core of SPEC Ltd’s capabilities.Commercial & ResidentialWhether you are an existing PNO (Private Network Owner) or a constructing a brand new sitethat will be owned and operated by you SPEC Ltd can support with both modifying your sitesnetwork or with connecting and installing the new network respectively.SPEC Ltd also offer a full O&M package for the HV network where you will have full access toour SAPs 24hrs a day via our callout service.We can also offer HV/LV connection & Installation services for new residential properties andwork in a collaborative way with our clients to review any value engineering and the possibilityof introducing one of our IDNO partners to add further value to your project.

WindOnshore wind energy has established itself as a mature, clean and productive technology. It isnow the UK’s largest source of renewable energy generation.Onshore wind farms reduce CO2 emissions, provide energy security, and contribute to the localand national economy. It works well in the UK because of the excellent wind resource and hasbecome one of the most cost effective forms of renewable energy.SPEC Ltd has been at the forefront of wind for the last 10 years and even in a subsidiary freefuture we believe that Onshore Wind has still got a major part to play in the future landscape ofenergy generation in the UK.SolarSolar power represented a very small part of electricity production in United Kingdom until2011. The installed base has increased rapidly in recent years as a result of reductions in thecost of photovoltaic (PV) panels, and the introduction of a feed-in tariff (FIT) subsidy in April2010. As of May 2017, there is a total installed capacity of 12,318 megawatt (MW) of PV solarpower, placing the United Kingdom in sixth place internationally in terms of total installedcapacity. In 2016 the UK generated 3.4% of its total electricity using solar power.With the disbanding of the traditional RoC subsidies for Solar in 2017 we have seen developerslook at more inventive ways of utilising the technology in way that could still attract investors;Solar & Storage is very much on the horizon and SPEC Ltd are supporting developers withmaking this a realistic application for this green energy source.

SPEC ConnectionsUnit 4 Woden Court,Saxon Business Park,Hanbury Road,Bromsgrove,B60 4ADTelephone: 01527 836091Email: [email protected]: www.spec-ltd.com Registered Office: SPECIALIST POWER ENGINEERING CONTRACTS LIMITED, Unit 5 Eagle Point, Telford Way Wakefield 41, Industrial Estate, Wakefield, WF2 0XW