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.

[TechOne]

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.

[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!

[deansh]

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.

[mikemellor]

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

[rdstewart]

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.

[CesarAngeles]

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

[tomorobo]

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

[eGroup]

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

[rowey]

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

[yisap]

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.?

[simonyapp]

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

[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.

[نجوىالمهندس]

انا بنتظر ك كل يوم ربنا يحفظك ويبارك فيك

[anthonywilson]

Not much investigation here is there. No mention in part 1 on what happens when renewables are on zero and on this portdinorwic power how long can it last ? 8 hours 24 hours. Or is it much less ? I heard 1 hour ? We will need batteries for 8 days and cost 30 Tyrion, £ . All this is not baseload.

[jimreece]

3:25 Talking nonsense. pumped storage is not a battery.