Gridwatch sources its data off ELEXON which is collecting data from generation connected to the National Grid at 275/400kV levels. However, to participate in the balancing mechanism a generator has to connect to the ELEXON metering system system so over the last few years progressively more generation, and BESS, located within the DNO system has become visible in real time. There are other sources of generator info from OFGEM renewablesandchp.ofgem.gov.uk which provides historical data on all sites accredited under the RO scheme (be warned there are plenty) but it does provide high level summaries. Problem is some of the larger sites are also reporting through ELEXON so you would need to remove them.
Anyhow only recently found this substack but great work.
One question occurs - if the Gridwatch data gives actual generation after grid balancing action, what happened to the ‘surplus’ generation in the corresponding DUKES figures? If supply must always equal demand, how was the excess supply implied by DUKES used?
Refreshing all 3 then looking at their data, the numbers differ!
Hovering your mouse over Gridwatch/Templar's dials provides background info. E.g the wind dial reveals:
“This is the total contributed by metered wind farms. Wind power contributes about another 30% from embedded (or unmetered) wind turbines that shows only as a drop in demand."
Likewise, hover over the solar dial and we learn:
"Solar PV: As no solar PV to date is metered centrally, we cannot show accurate real time figures on solar PV power.
Estimated power (data provided by Sheffield University) is shown here. There is good evidence from the lack of decrease in recorded demand at midday to suppose this is somewhat overestimated, however."
Earlier this week, I discovered Elexon Insights has recently produced its own more user-friendly set of info - in Beta version. There are various tabs & drop-down menus, and filters & calendars to play with.
On its 'Generation by fuel type' page, if you deselect 'All fuel type' i.e. leaving All Interconnects, interconnectors' contributions are all positive!? It doesn't appear to recognise fuels are used to generate exports.
Its 'Wind Generation' page is interesting, showing info on Outturn, Latest Forecast and Initial Forecast. Discrepancies between 'latest forecast' and Outturn are 'interesting'.
I've still got to assimilate all you've written, but the above recognises some the challenges we seem to face.
Gridwatch sources its data off ELEXON which is collecting data from generation connected to the National Grid at 275/400kV levels. However, to participate in the balancing mechanism a generator has to connect to the ELEXON metering system system so over the last few years progressively more generation, and BESS, located within the DNO system has become visible in real time. There are other sources of generator info from OFGEM renewablesandchp.ofgem.gov.uk which provides historical data on all sites accredited under the RO scheme (be warned there are plenty) but it does provide high level summaries. Problem is some of the larger sites are also reporting through ELEXON so you would need to remove them.
Anyhow only recently found this substack but great work.
Hi Chris.
This is interesting reading as always.
One question occurs - if the Gridwatch data gives actual generation after grid balancing action, what happened to the ‘surplus’ generation in the corresponding DUKES figures? If supply must always equal demand, how was the excess supply implied by DUKES used?
Hi Chris
Thanks for your efforts!
Trying to understand our generation and consumptions is a nightmare.
Apols if I missed anything you've covered. My comments are based my understandings *which may not necessarily be correct*. ;-)
Leo Smith, who runs the Gridwatch website https://www.gridwatch.templar.co.uk
Mark Stolworthy writes and maintains https://gridwatch.co.uk
DUKES is the Digest of UK Energy Statistics - i.e. inc Northern Ireland.
As I understand it, both draw their data from Elexon, but that covers GB only.
https://www.bmreports.com/bmrs/?q=generation/fueltype/current
Refreshing all 3 then looking at their data, the numbers differ!
Hovering your mouse over Gridwatch/Templar's dials provides background info. E.g the wind dial reveals:
“This is the total contributed by metered wind farms. Wind power contributes about another 30% from embedded (or unmetered) wind turbines that shows only as a drop in demand."
Likewise, hover over the solar dial and we learn:
"Solar PV: As no solar PV to date is metered centrally, we cannot show accurate real time figures on solar PV power.
Estimated power (data provided by Sheffield University) is shown here. There is good evidence from the lack of decrease in recorded demand at midday to suppose this is somewhat overestimated, however."
On the Gridwatch.co.uk page, scroll down for explanations.
Earlier this week, I discovered Elexon Insights has recently produced its own more user-friendly set of info - in Beta version. There are various tabs & drop-down menus, and filters & calendars to play with.
https://bmrs.elexon.co.uk/generation-by-fuel-type
However, there's no solar info.
On its 'Generation by fuel type' page, if you deselect 'All fuel type' i.e. leaving All Interconnects, interconnectors' contributions are all positive!? It doesn't appear to recognise fuels are used to generate exports.
Its 'Wind Generation' page is interesting, showing info on Outturn, Latest Forecast and Initial Forecast. Discrepancies between 'latest forecast' and Outturn are 'interesting'.
I've still got to assimilate all you've written, but the above recognises some the challenges we seem to face.
Apols if it seems like a rant ;-)