Natural Power works with a variety of clients across the globe to provide reliable data that supports project success. Its analytical services cover all stages of a project, from feasibility and development to operations, renewable energy, and re-powering.
The Challenge: Accuracy in Renewable Energy Generation
The ability to accurately forecast minutes and hours ahead is essential for the continued growth of weather- dependent renewable energy generation, like wind and solar.
Natural Power is the biggest independent provider of control point services to generators in the UK. So, its ability to forecast accurately across its asset management contracts has very significant commercial impacts on both the individual generators and the UK grid as a whole.
The Solution: PhD Expertise Enhances Natural Power’s Forecasting Abilities
Collaborating with The Data Lab and the University of Strathclyde, Natural Power were able to access data science research expertise through PhD student Rosemary Tawn, allowing her work to have immediate impact.
The Outcomes: A 20% Improvement in Forecast Accuracy
As a result of a collaboration, Rosemary Tawn completed a PhD, contributing to research that has resulted in a short-term (less than four hours) power forecasting system that demonstrates up to 20% improved forecast accuracy. The project has provided Natural Power with a robust methodology for using statistical, data driven, short- term forecasts, in conjunction with numerical weather prediction-based estimates, to create an optimum forecast for short and long-term power requirements.
As a result, the system has overcome the real-world challenge of missing data which has been a barrier to using statistical data in wind power applications until this time. The new power forecasting system has been implemented with immediate effect.
Heather Thomson – Director of Skills and Talent, The Data Lab
“The research, co-funded by The Data Lab in partnership with Natural Power through our Industrial Doctorate Programme, reinforces the importance of funding research within renewable energy. This benefits not only the student and the university but will help Natural Power with their long-term net-zero goals, and of course, this supports a sustainable society as we strive to reduce our impact on the environment.”