Introduction: This project encompasses National Grid electricity transmission’s participation in selected Power Delivery projects from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) R&D Programme. Projects are selected to enable maximum beneficial project interaction and maximum leverage on funds. Additional technical collaborations and access to existing products are included as part of the agreed collaboration at no additional cost together with access to the Technology Innovation Program and participation in the Research Advisory Council.

Objectives: Project areas 2007/8:

• Conductor and Wire Corrosion Management

• Improve Transmission Line Lightning Performance

• Polymer and Composite Overhead Transmission Line Components

• Transmission Circuit Ratings Optimization Methodologies

• Engineering Guide to Increasing Power Flow in Transmission Circuits

• Transformer End-of-Life & Condition Assessment

• Transformer Life Extension

• Life Extension and Best Practices Guidelines for Substation Equipment

• SF6 Environmental Management and Equipment Performance

• Solid-State Fault Current Limiter/Circuit Breaker Development

• Harmonize UCA/IEC 61850, and CIM/IEC 61970/61968 Standards

• Management of Substation Ground

• AC/DC Line Conversion

• Advanced Communications Assessment

• Antenna arrays and wireless mesh sensors for partial discharge location

• Technology and Innovation Programme including sustainability.