Wireless power transmission potential explored

A project is underway to explore whether wireless power transmission could be used on Britain’s electricity network.

National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) and technology firm Space Solar have secured backing through Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund to look at whether the technology could supplement or replace conventional overhead lines and underground cables.

The project will assess whether wireless ‘beaming’ can provide temporary or emergency power during storms or other network disruptions, and whether it could create faster, more flexible connections for renewable generators, including those offshore.

Tim Polack, NGED director of strategy and transformation, said: “Innovative thinking is fundamental to supporting the transition to a cleaner energy future, and the Wireless Power Transmission project will explore how state-of-the-art technology could transform the electricity network to deliver resilience, cost and connection benefits to customers.”