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Developing the UK electricity infrastructure for renewable energy sources

With his expertise in sustainable electricity transmission networks, Professor Strbac is much in demand as a consultant. “We’re turning away up to 70% of the requests for work at the moment” he says. “We can’t compromise on the quality of work we’re doing by increasing the quantity.”

And quality it is. Professor Strbac and his team work with many governments and companies in advising on a more sustainable transmission network for the future.  Using his network of contacts, Goran has been able to choose consultancy projects that align with his research interests.

With alternative energies increasingly being used, the UK’s electricity infrastructure needs to move forwards in incorporating the new type of energy generators. Strbac’s work in transmission network design has led to many jobs with both government and industry.

“We tend to provide longer-term, expert advice to governments” explains Strbac. “We’re currently providing a report on how the transmission networks need to adapt to accommodate the power generated by wind farms. Most of these farms are off-shore and incorporating their fluctuating supply into the networks requires careful planning.”

In addition many energy companies use Strbac’s advice when presenting their case to the energy watchdog Ofgem for infrastructure improvements. The UK’s electricity network is now over 50 years old and much of it requires replacing. Strbac recently advised on the infrastructure replacement investment strategy for E.ON. The energy companies need to consider whether they should replace their equipment like for like, or look at alternatives. Strbac and his team are instrumental in advising what a sustainable network for the future would look like with alternative energy sources contributing towards power generation.

“For me there’s no conflict between research and consultancy” he explains. “The consulting work is on the cutting-edge of research and gives us status when we’re bidding for new research projects.” He insists on his work being made public so that he can publish and benefit his research. In the majority of cases, it’s also in the interests of the company and both parties gain.