High Voltage and Low Voltage Infrastructure Delivery Supporting Smart Grid Innovation

2 Minute Read

Sector

Education

Services

Hard Services

Key Criteria

Productivity

Region

Scotland

University of Strathclyde Glasgow logo with a crest featuring books, a crown, and floral emblems, alongside bold black text stating University of Strathclyde Glasgow.

Executive Summary

OCS, provided the full installation of the High Voltage (HV) and Low Voltage (LV) electrical networks, along with the Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS), at the University of Strathclyde’s Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC). The PNDC is a flagship collaboration accelerating the development and deployment of advanced power distribution technologies in the UK and internationally. 

Located in Cumbernauld, the PNDC is a £12.5 million collaboration between the University of Strathclyde, Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Funding Council, and industry partners. OCS’ hard fm team installed the HV and LV distribution systems and the RTDS, enabling live simulation, grid interaction, and integration with SCADA systems. The infrastructure supports a wide range of test configurations and evolving technologies, all within a controlled, real-world environment.

  • An orange lightning bolt is centered inside a circular arrow, symbolizing energy, electricity, or renewable power.

    £12.5 Million

    Capital investment in research and demonstration

  • Tree Planting

    1st in Europe

    Full-scale smart grid test environment

  • A solid orange square with no text, patterns, or additional features.

    100%

    HV and LV infrastructure delivered to industry standards

  • A large, solid orange shape with rounded and irregular edges fills most of the image, partially bordered by a thick white frame and small black, dark gray, and white corner details.

    24/7

    Real-time simulation capability enabled by RTDS

The Brief

The project aimed to deliver full-scale smart grid test site, commissioning both high-voltage and low-voltage infrastructure across the campus.

Deliver a flexible, future-ready HV and LV electrical network
Enable real-time simulation and safe integration of experimental technologies
Support collaborative research between academia and industry
Accelerate the deployment of smart grid and low-carbon technologies

The Best Outcomes

The PNDC now serves as a critical platform for testing and validating smart grid innovations. It reduces the risk of national deployment, supports the integration of renewable energy and electrified transport, and strengthens the UK’s position in global energy innovation.

The rollout encompassed a range of advanced technologies that were deployed. The included distributed energy resources such as solar and wind, electrified transport with supporting charging infrastructure, smart appliances and home energy management systems, as well as advanced automation, protection, and communication technologies.

The major project delivered:

  • Upgraded 132 kV incomer with new transformers, switchgear and metering
  • Installed a new 11 kV ring main to strengthen on-campus distribution
  • Built LV switch rooms and substations for future renewables and storage
  • Coordinated civils, electrical, testing and commissioning end-to-end

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