Unveiling the Power: Behind the Grid | Episode 2: From Shore to Substation

Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey 'Behind the Grid' as we lift the curtain on the UK's electricity system. Join our host James Stewart as he ventures into the unknown, exploring how electricity is generated and distributed. From monitoring cables under the sea to maintaining towering pylons, witness the dedication behind our clean energy initiatives.
Get ready to dive deeper into the UK's electricity system with Episode 2, 'From Shore to Substation.' This episode takes you inside the National Grid’s Electricity Transmission network, highlighting the critical roles of our overhead lines teams and helicopter unit. Meet Ash Turner, Head of Substations and Cables for the North West, as he shares his experiences at 'Electric Mountain' aka Dinorwig, and showcases the dedication of our substation teams. Celebrate the 40-year anniversary of Dinorwig and discover the incredible work that keeps our electricity flowing smoothly. The Dinorwig Power Station, known locally as Electric Mountain, or Mynydd Gwefru, is a pumped-storage hydroelectric scheme, near Dinorwig, Llanberis in Snowdonia national park in Gwynedd, north Wales. The site is owned and managed by ENGIE and helps to provide green energy to the UK. Explore the unseen world of our transmission infrastructure and the passionate people who keep it running.
For more info, visit: www.nationalgr...

[@MrBinabanana]

Great video! As a refrigeration engineer I'm aware of SF6 as being pretty much the most potent fluorinated gas for global warming with a GWP of around 23000, but I wasn't aware of the mind-bending quantities used in switchgear! I wouldn't want to have to report an accidental leak of that stuff!

[@datu5991]

តត្រឲ

[@TechOne7671]

As an electrician of 30 years I have seen most things but very little HV and grid equipment so to have a good look around these machines make this a good video. Cheers. Got to love the registration of the helicopter. G-RIDC.

[@nurulhidayati4529]

😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊

[@nationalgriduk]

Glad we could show you something new!

[@HameedOmran-hv7nn]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😅

[@TheElectricBrit]

Got over 200 videos planned for my channel on the UK grid. Subscribe for when they start rolling out soon

[@inothome]

@@TheElectricBrit I'll bite... 200 sounds like a lot, but even a few would be interesting. Since I worked in the US power grids for years and some remote locations as well.

[@mikemellor759]

Thank you for giving an insight into what makes the National Grid.

[@rowey111]

Amazing video. Real shame they closed the visitors center of Dinorwig as it was so interesting.

[@tomorobo]

It’s a shame the visitors centre was closed down this tour was amazing

[@deansh8506]

I am fascinated with the energy transmission and the transition to net zero. My question is what is the efficiency factor of Dinorwig. I.e for every 1 unit of energy generated by releasing the water from top to bottom. How much energy does it take to pump back it back up to the top. I am convinced grid battery storage is the key to our future.

[@TechOne7671]

It’s a pumped storage scheme so when it’s pumping up to the top reservoir it consumes power from the grid, however this is done at off peak times when there is spare power from nuclear stations. This power station is used to manage peak demands only and does not generate 24/7. It’s a big potential to kinetic to electric energy machine. It can be online in under a minute to satisfy peak demands on the grid then recharge for the next one. Hope this helps.

[@deansh8506]

@@TechOne7671 hi thanks for the reply. I understand but my question is how much energy is lost by pumping back up to the reservoir. I mean is it 2 units of energy to pump up vs 1 unit of energy releasing the water at a later time of the day.

[@david65219]

I had a tour there several years ago and might be mis-remembering, but I think they said around 75%. But of course being in Cymru you get some free energy with all the rain fall.

[@Alex-vz8jq]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@deansh8506I had a quick google, same as what David says. Looks like 75%. Each motor requires 275MW input for 7hours to fill the lake. They can then generate 288MW for 5hours. Very rough calcs but 1440/1925 = 0.75

[@deansh8506]

@@Alex-vz8jq that's not too bad at all. I thought it was going to be less than 75%. Of course as I live in Wales I know for certain they will have alot of 'free' water at the top of the reservoir quite often. Would love a tour of the facility 👍

[@PaulM_aka_4c21]

This was a lot better than episode 1

[@trumpetrider565]

Brilliant thank you 😊

[@rdstewart14]

I’ve been to a similar site in Cruachan, near Oban, in Scotland, where the installation is in a mountain, with a loch at the top.

[@CesarAngeles28]

Second and still so motivating - really chuffed of been part of this sector - would love to be able to see all these Congratulations NGESO

[@koppadasao]

I like the tail number... G-RIDC

[@e5Group]

Please please please do an episode on the old LV network and cover network net current aka diverted neutral current.

[@nationalgriduk]

Noted, we'll ask some of our engineers and see if they're interested in a piece!

[@yisap2]

We hear from energy retailers that they are able to install alternative electricity generation equipment but cannot put on the grid because National grid don’t have the capacity available, is this true.?

[@pilotboy2612]

Turweston Airfield. Nice

[@nationalgriduk]

Good eyes, well spotted!

[@simonyapp]

James, less jokes please!!, But it is great to see real skilled, trained engineers. thanks

[@TheElectricBrit]

More in depth videos coming soon on my channel that’ll explore all the assets, history and challenges of the UK grid.

[@KibuukaMicheal]

Hello sir

[@oebydoeby]

Lots of work to keep everything operating that you would normally not think off. At what point will it make sense to move to drones to inspect the pylons? Seems like a cheaper option with less noice.

[@nationalgriduk]

We're already trialling and working with drones in certain places, more information can be found here: www.nationalgrid.com/national-grid-and-university-manchester-pilot-drone-mounted-electric-field-sensors-pylon

[@نجوىالمهندس]

انا بنتظر ك كل يوم ربنا يحفظك ويبارك فيك

[@KibuukaMicheal]

It works great

[@AskFuzzy78]

Where's Episode 3??

[@yisap2]

Where is episode 3

[@nationalgriduk]

Not long to wait now and the good news is episode 4 is nearly ready too!

[@lukmanmuhammadbashar9005]

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