Dynamic Load Averaging (DLA): A Roundtable & Hub topic for the LEMA Summit & FLEXCON 2024

In last week’s blog post, we introduced the Roundtables to be held at the LEMA Summit 2024. This week we take a more detailed look at our first Roundtable topic – Dynamic Load Averaging (DLA). We are also excited to confirm that the Local Energy Markets Alliance will also be holding a ‘Hub’ Roundtable at FLEXCON 2024 in Amsterdam later this September.

What is a Roundtable/Hub?

The ‘hub’ idea is a roundtable discussion but without the table! Another way of describing it is a panel discussion without a stage. Delegates sit in a circle with the Chair and the panellists interspersed between them. The Chair starts the conversation, invites comment from panellists and the delegates. It is therefore more informal and distinctly more engaging.

The Dynamic Load Averaging (DLA) Roundtable/Hub

The Dynamic Load Averaging (DLA) Roundtable & Hub will discuss the structure, role and benefits of this type of contract in tackling local grid congestion and impossible connection queues.

The DLA solution is a medium term ‘non-wires alternative’ to grid strengthening that enables Low Carbon Technologies to be connected behind a substation in advance of upstream power grid infrastructure improvements.

So, DLA is, in effect, an innovative new contracting model and solution to alleviate congestion by providing flexibility where the DSO knows it is needed but where it has not actually been built yet.

The DLA Roundtable at the LEMA Summit 2024 will be led by Laurence Carpanini, a Director in Traxis Energy and Chair of LEMA’s Networks Common Interest Group.

Laurence will be joined by:

• Nigel Bessant, Head of Network Operations at SSEN

• Dan Hopkinson, CEO ElectraLink

• Luisa Matos, CEO Cleanwatts bidding into NPG’s Community DSO Project

The Roundtable will discuss:

• How this is different to and complements existing flexibility trading markets;

• The impact it could have on the government’s ambitious home building programme, decarbonisation of the grid and the uptake in EVs, heat pumps and rooftop solar;

• Key contract parameters and how to award it prior to connection; and

• Implementation approach and timescales: the technology is proven so is there a need for trials, or can it be implemented straight away…?

Be sure to also join us at FLEXCON 2024 in Amsterdam on 26th & 27th September, where our CEO, Simon Anderson & COO, Gavin Beresford, will also be leading a Hub on DLA.

Out other LEMA Summit Roundtables will expand further on the theme of “Developing a New Business Model for Smart Local Energy Systems” and will cover:

• Finance;

• Data & Platforms; and

• Local Operating Companies or Trust and Governance

To join us at this years LEMA Summit 2024, October 1st & 2nd at Leeds Castle in Kent, access your tickets on eventbrite.co.uk via this link