CoolDown Beta
CoolDown Beta project
CoolDown will, for the first time, explore the impact of space cooling on network capacity. CoolDown Beta will produce tools to enable network operators to understand the impact of SC at a local level. Trials of SC-tailored flexibility products will enable networks to mitigate adverse impacts, reduce network reinforcement requirements and optimise value for customers.
SP Electricity North West began delivery of this six-month project in October 2024 alongside partners Guidehouse Europe, UCL Consultants Limited, Oaktree Power Limited, Impact Research Ltd and National Grid Electricity Distribution PLC.
CoolDown Beta will develop and trial:
1. Novel DR programme designs for the provision of flexibility services from domestic and commercial SC assets
2. A first of its kind SC demand forecasting tool enabling its inclusion in network planning
CoolDown Alpha was the first GB DNO-led project to explore the impacts of SC growth on distribution networks and how SC flexibility can be unlocked to mitigate potential impacts on network planning.
Through two iterative trial periods, held over successive summers, CoolDown Beta will, for the first time at this scale across GB and Europe, build an evidence base for the bounds of flexibility from SC in domestic and commercial buildings. We will use asset-level monitoring to understand customers’ cooling behaviours more granularly and hold events across a range of temperatures, lengths, frequencies, and payment amounts to understand how these factors impact the level of flexibility achievable. We will explore customer sentiment through regular engagement with participating customers.
For more information, please see the project page on ENA's Smarter Networks Portal.
This page will be updated with any project learning as we progress through the SIF process
All project learning from the Beta phase can be found in the library below.