Small-scale energy resources support transmission constraints and accelerate grid connections in UK-first
UK Power Networks and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) have achieved a landmark first energy dispatch using their new MegaWatt (MW) Dispatch initiative.
UK Power Networks and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) have achieved a landmark first energy dispatch using their new MegaWatt (MW) Dispatch initiative. This major milestone marks an innovative and quicker way to connect cleaner energy into the electricity system – faster, cheaper and more efficiently.
This is the first time that energy from local sources - like small generators and battery storage - connected against transmission constraints has been dispatched specifically to manage transmission network constraints. Following successful trials in 2025, it has proven that smaller, flexible energy sites connected to local networks can now help manage supply and demand across the country, in real time.
The success of this new service has been made possible through close coordination and collaboration between UK Power Networks and NESO. By working together, the two organisations are joining up the national and local electricity networks in a smarter, more integrated way. This ensures that clean energy can flow where it is needed most, while reducing system costs and creating new opportunities for energy projects.
For customers, this breakthrough means cleaner energy projects can connect to the grid much sooner than before – sometimes up to 10 years earlier.
The first set of dispatches were made with help from AMP, the first company to join the MW Dispatch Service in the UK Power Networks area and benefit from the NESO’s market revenues. AMP Clean Energy now has four generator sites connected to the grid in the Ninfield, Sellindge and Richborough areas of South East England, totalling 15MW of power – enough to supply thousands of homes.
MW Dispatch has created a replicable template for the industry to overcome transmission-related grid connection delays using a market mechanism. The project is helping over 50 energy projects to connect earlier – unlocking enough clean energy to power around one million homes.
The MW Dispatch Service was created by UK Power Networks and NESO, with support from technology companies Kyndryl and Smarter Grid Solutions by adopting a coordinated transmission-distribution data sharing approach and modern API based digital technology.
The service is now open to onboard any new generator or storage asset ready to connect in the South East region.
Sotiris Georgiopoulos, Director of DSO at UK Power Networks said: “This dispatch isn’t just a technical success – it’s a big win for our customers.
“By using local energy to support the national grid, we’re helping to speed up the move to Net Zero while keeping costs down.”
Craig Dyke, Director of System Operations, NESO said: “This key milestone shows how local energy resources can play a national role. By working closely with UK Power Networks and other Network Operators, we’re unlocking new ways to balance the electricity system and help to keep costs low.
“Strong coordination between transmission and distribution is fundamental to delivering a smarter, more flexible energy system that works for all users.”
Caspar Ruane, Group Head of Asset Management, at AMP said: “We are pleased to see our electricity assets directly supporting the grid in a new way. MW Dispatch is helping deliver cleaner, lower-cost energy to consumers, and creating new revenue opportunities for asset owners.”
UK Power Networks and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) have achieved a landmark first energy dispatch using their new MegaWatt (MW) Dispatch initiative. This major milestone marks an innovative and quicker way to connect cleaner energy into the electricity system – faster, cheaper and more efficiently.
This is the first time that energy from local sources - like small generators and battery storage - connected against transmission constraints has been dispatched specifically to manage transmission network constraints. Following successful trials in 2025, it has proven that smaller, flexible energy sites connected to local networks can now help manage supply and demand across the country, in real time.
The success of this new service has been made possible through close coordination and collaboration between UK Power Networks and NESO. By working together, the two organisations are joining up the national and local electricity networks in a smarter, more integrated way. This ensures that clean energy can flow where it is needed most, while reducing system costs and creating new opportunities for energy projects.
For customers, this breakthrough means cleaner energy projects can connect to the grid much sooner than before – sometimes up to 10 years earlier.
The first set of dispatches were made with help from AMP, the first company to join the MW Dispatch Service in the UK Power Networks area and benefit from the NESO’s market revenues. AMP Clean Energy now has four generator sites connected to the grid in the Ninfield, Sellindge and Richborough areas of South East England, totalling 15MW of power – enough to supply thousands of homes.
MW Dispatch has created a replicable template for the industry to overcome transmission-related grid connection delays using a market mechanism. The project is helping over 50 energy projects to connect earlier – unlocking enough clean energy to power around one million homes.
The MW Dispatch Service was created by UK Power Networks and NESO, with support from technology companies Kyndryl and Smarter Grid Solutions by adopting a coordinated transmission-distribution data sharing approach and modern API based digital technology.
The service is now open to onboard any new generator or storage asset ready to connect in the South East region.
Sotiris Georgiopoulos, Director of DSO at UK Power Networks said: “This dispatch isn’t just a technical success – it’s a big win for our customers.
“By using local energy to support the national grid, we’re helping to speed up the move to Net Zero while keeping costs down.”
Craig Dyke, Director of System Operations, NESO said: “This key milestone shows how local energy resources can play a national role. By working closely with UK Power Networks and other Network Operators, we’re unlocking new ways to balance the electricity system and help to keep costs low.
“Strong coordination between transmission and distribution is fundamental to delivering a smarter, more flexible energy system that works for all users.”
Caspar Ruane, Group Head of Asset Management, at AMP said: “We are pleased to see our electricity assets directly supporting the grid in a new way. MW Dispatch is helping deliver cleaner, lower-cost energy to consumers, and creating new revenue opportunities for asset owners.”