Introduction: The Power Networks Research Academy (PNRA) has been established through a strategic partnership agreement between the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), electricity transmission and distribution companies, related manufacturers and consultants. The Academy funds and supports PhD researchers in power industry related projects and help maintain and improve the research and teaching capacity in power engineering subjects.

Objectives: A range of projects are addressed in this programme namely:

• Enhanced performance of power utility networks with increasing levels of DG;

• Reduction of static voltage control requirements in utility’s networks;

  Optimise the use of existing distribution assets and facilitate greater infeed from DG.;

• To provided a means by which higher penetrations of DG can be connected to the network; to aid in 2020 renewable generation targets and the UK 2050 grid vision;

• Protection of future power systems encompassing DG, converter interfaces and energy storage;

• Investigation of subsynchronous resonance phenomenon in AC/DC meshed power networks;

• State estimation for active distribution network ;

• Overhead lines measurement system (OHMS);

• Protection issues of inverter-interfaced DG;

• Intelligent insulation systems;

• Influence of oil contamination on the electrical performance of power transformers;

• Using power electronics to increase power capacity without changing infrastructure;

• Alternatives to SF6 as an insulation medium for distribution equipment;

• Reducing the risk of sub-synchronous resonance (SSR) in meshed power networks with increased power transfer capabilities;

Other projects are carried out within the academy with transmission owners.