IONATE Limited, The University of Edinburgh, and EverComm are working together to develop a novel smart hybrid transformer in conjunction with a system wide decarbonisation software platform for the electricity grid. Upon completion, this hardware technology and software platform will be a key enabler for power systems in transitioning to a low-emission future through boosting flexibility and efficiency of power control.

The UK is leading the energy transition as the first major economy in the world to commit to net zero emissions by 2050, placing clean growth at the heart of its Industrial Strategy. In line with this, the electricity system is undergoing drastic changes. Rapidly increasing levels of wind and solar generation, the electrification of transport and heat, and battery storage are completely changing the nature of power flows within the grid.

To maintain reliable power supply under growing unpredictability, the system's power control capabilities need to be upgraded. This is not a straightforward challenge.

A commonplace approach to improve the electricity system is to add new layers of digital technology on top of the grid. However, this alone is not sufficient to reinforce the system for a once-in-a-hundred year energy transition as it is prohibitively expensive. Furthermore, it adds new levels of complexity and fragility -- two things to avoid in a future-proof system.

There has not been a more urgent need for innovation to enable our power systems to continue to supply reliable and affordable electricity in a zero-carbon world.

IONATE has patented a new technology to replace transformers and an array of add on technologies with a single smart hybrid transformer. This device has performance capabilities of multiple other digital technologies -- without the associated cost and complexity. This is made possible by its innovative design; a hybrid combination of power electronics and electromagnetics is optimised to deliver the highest efficiency and performance at the lowest cost.

When combined with EverComms software platform for coordination and control optimisation, the benefits to the energy system can be enormous, enabling an affordable and reliable energy transition.

This project is a key step towards the commercialisation of this new technology at scale. Once in use, IONATE's smart hybrid transformers build into the electricity grid and renewables projects where they can stabilise power flows at a much lower cost than alternatives. Ultimately, they will contribute to lower electricity prices and reliable power in a zero-carbon world.