Constellation Project – UK Power Networks Autonomous Power Grid Management

The Constellation project is part of UK Power Networks’ innovation programme, delivered in partnership with Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC). The Constellation project is exploring how autonomous systems can support the management of future distribution networks. Demonstrating CIM-based data ingestion and automation in a live DSO environment, this is one of the first initiatives to combine adaptive wide-area voltage optimisation with physics-informed digital twins. It is the first large-scale UK DSO project validating virtualised autonomous substation management, providing a practical blueprint for scalable, vendor-agnostic intelligence applicable across the UK and internationally.

What we are doing

SMPnet is delivering its Omega suite, integrating the Aware and Optisys products, provide real-time grid visibility, wide-area voltage optimisation, and millisecond-level control within UK Power Networks’ virtual substation environment. The solution is designed to interface seamlessly with existing operational platforms, including SCADA, DERMS, and ADMS, enabling interoperability and standardised data exchange.

Working closely with UK Power Networks and PNDC, SMPnet is developing a physics-informed digital twin of the distribution network. This allows adaptive, predictive optimisation of network performance and supports continuous real-time decision-making. Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) was completed in June 2025, clearing the Omega suite for the next stage of deployment, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) integration and validation with PDNC and data provision, protocol compliance and system-level validation with UK Power Networks.

What we will show

This 18-month project will demonstrate that autonomous substation management can operate safely and effectively at scale. Deployment of the Omega suite will enable live, real-time testing, demonstrating how autonomous DSO capabilities can support flexible and reliable electricity distribution across the UK. Omega suite deployment will show:

• Successful parsing and integration of full CIM-based UK Power Networks grid models
• Sub-minute execution for PF and OPF simulations, with active and reactive power dispatch and stability objectives, proving scalability
• Integration readiness with SCADA, DERMS, and ADMS systems in multi-protocol environments.

Summary

The Constellation project provides UK Power Networks with a practical blueprint for autonomous distribution network operation. By combining digital twins, adaptive optimisation, and virtualised substation control, SMPnet is helping UK Power Networks improve network resilience, enhance operational efficiency, and prepare for higher levels of renewable integration. By the end of 2025, the Omega suite is planned to be deployed within the UK Power Networks control room as an operational extension to existing SCADA platforms, enabling real-time adaptive control and network visibility. The project will position UK Power Networks to lead in autonomous DSO operations while reducing operational costs and enhancing renewable integration.

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