The project has secured a multi-million award from the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) – an Ofgem programme – delivered with Innovate UK, to progress into a large-scale demonstration phase.
Fractal Flow is a powerful, next-generation analytics engine that gives network operators far greater visibility of what is happening across the electricity system in near real time. Using knowledge graph technology and probabilistic power flow modelling, the Fractal Flow platform shows how network actions can influence power flows; identifies emerging conflicts, evaluates the effectiveness of flexibility dispatch and optimises the use of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs).
The near real-time insight and shared view of network conditions enable the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and Great Britian’s Distribution System Operators (DSOs) to make smarter decisions about how and when to deploy resources such as batteries, generation and flexibility. Fractal Flow will help network operators manage the growing complexity of the UK energy system, and ensure a safe, resilient and affordable supply of electricity for customers for years to come.
Northern Powergrid is leading the programme in collaboration with NESO, Frazer-Nash and these collaborators: SP Electricity North West, National Grid Electricity Distribution, SP Energy Networks, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, UK Power Networks, ElectraLink, Oaktree Power. This is the first time NESO and all Great Britain’s DSOs have partnered on a SIF project, clearly signalling the industry’s recognition of the need for smarter, more coordinated whole system decision making.
Chris Goodhand, Operations Manager for Flexibility at Northern Powergrid, said: “Fractal Flow is the first time the industry has come together to create a decision-making platform that crosses the transmission–distribution boundary. The SIF award will accelerate development of this vital capability, giving NESO and DSOs the tools they need to operate a dynamic, decentralised and decarbonised future energy system.”
Nial Greeves, Market Director Energy and Infrastructure, Frazer-Nash Consultancy, said: “As the trusted, go-to advisor for grid modernisation, digitisation and future-proofing, we are proud to be playing our part in enabling Fractal Flow. Our impactful solutions are driving operational efficiency, accelerating and de-risking innovation to scale. We are encouraged that through the work with our collaborators on Fractal Flow we will be enabling more renewable generation to operate, and will be supporting future smart grid capabilities. Our expertise in innovation is supporting strategic transformation to secure long-term, sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving market.”
Frazer-Nash has been key to developing Fractal Flow, having co-developed the idea with Northern Powergrid in 2023, and driven the innovation through Discovery, and Alpha phases. Fractal Flow is now well positioned to become a core capability in control rooms across the country. The next phase of the project will test the platform using real network data, demonstrating how whole system coordination can unlock capacity, reduce costs and support the transition to a dynamic, decentralised and decarbonised future energy system.
