Curtailment Assessment Studies

Maximise Revenue. Minimise Curtailment.

Curtailment directly impacts the financial viability of renewable generation and battery storage projects. At RenSolv, we deliver realistic, site-specific curtailment studies to forecast, assess, and mitigate revenue losses across solar farms, wind farms, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

Whether you have an accepted scheme or you're at the initial feasibility stage or preparing a grid connection application, our studies go beyond overly cautious assumptions. We provide a complete picture, bridging the most likely real-world outcomes with sensible conservative scenarios, to support you gain a better insight into your connection.

Our Approach: Engineering-Led, Data-Driven

We combine power systems expertise with deep knowledge of network control to deliver realistic curtailment forecasts. Our methodology includes:

Development of DNO/TSO Network Model

• Detailed modelling of the distribution/transmission network specific to the project
• Modelling components such as circuits, transformers, upstream and downstream substations, loads, and other generators in the system
• Modelling electrical parameters of components, thermal ratings (fixed, dynamic or seasonal), and automatic control schemes
• Resulting model is used to run long-duration time-series simulations
• Estimating both export and import curtailment with great level of accuracy and realism

Modelling of Active Network Management Control (ANM)

• ANM operational margins and curtailment thresholds
• Power flow and voltage constraints management
• Principle of access: LIFO stack or shared quota
• Generator sensitivity factors and thresholds modelling
• Pre-event and/or sum constraint logic
• ANM time constants and curtailment philosophy according to ENA guidance

Considering Historical Power Flows and Generation Profiles

• Time series (e.g. half-hourly) grid loading data
• Industry acknowledged generation profiles for solar, wind and BESS
• Intact and abnormal operating conditions

Curtailment Simulation Studies

• LIFO generation stack validation including generators below and above the studied project
• Time-series load flow simulations
• Modelling of power flow through network constraints
• Classification of constraints contributing to curtailment
• Scenarios of a wide range of data assumptions
• Site optimisation scenarios (private wire, BESS integration, DG integration)

Gain Deeper Insight

• Multiple simulations for curtailment under future demand/generation outlooks
• Developing several realistic scenarios for investigation
• Sensitivity to storage operation (charging/export regimes)
• Co-location benefit analysis to assess whether adding BESS reduces curtailment or defers network reinforcements

Results

We provide comprehensive set of results in our report with easy-to-follow plots and tables.

Figure 1: Power Flow through Grid Constraint

Figure 2: Energy breakdown showing the amount of energy curtailed

Figure 3: BESS Curtailment Heatmap (% Energy Curtailed, Monthly Hourly Sum)

Why Clients Trust Us

We work closely with you to define and simulate relevant scenarios, ensuring you stay in control of your grid connection

• Realistic Outputs: We simulate how your asset is likely to be curtailed based on detailed, forecasted power flows through real network constraints. No blanket assumptions—just data-driven outcomes.
• Engineering-Grade Quality: Our team consists of experienced power system engineers with over 30 years of combined experience in DigSilent PowerFactory, PSS^®E, and other specialist tools. We have a proven track record of supporting DNO and NGESO interface studies and contributing to regulatory submissions.
• Clear, Actionable Reporting: Every study includes a recommendation summary backed by detailed appendices with assumptions, data sources, results, and curtailment breakdowns by constraint and scenario.
• Commercially Astute Advice: We don't just tell you what’s curtailed. We identify what is bankable, what is optimisable, and how to enhance the financial viability of your project.

Case Studies

• 50MW BESS, Scotland
  The DNO's initial curtailment report indicated 100% import curtailment, raising serious concerns about project viability.
  Following RenSolv’s detailed curtailment analysis, the project was shown to have an import window with less than 3043% curtailment under realistic network conditions. This significantly improved the investment outlook and operational planning.
• 40MW Solar Farm, South England>
  The DNO’s report forecasted 64% curtailment, which risked undermining the project’s commercial case.
  RenSolv performed a site-specific curtailment study, demonstrating that real-world curtailment was expected to be only 2131%. We also calculated the required co-located BESS capacity to fully eliminate solar curtailment, unlocking value and improving the business case.
• Clear, Actionable Reporting: Every study includes a recommendation summary backed by detailed appendices with assumptions, data sources, results, and curtailment breakdowns by constraint and scenario.
• Commercially Astute Advice: We don't just tell you what’s curtailed. We identify what is bankable, what is optimisable, and how to enhance the financial viability of your project.

Talk to Us

Curtailment risk is real, but it doesn’t have to be unpredictable. Whether you’re reviewing an existing connection or applying for a new one, we can help you understand the numbers through realistic, engineering-led analysis.

Contact us for a free scoping call to explore how our bespoke curtailment studies can de-risk your project and unlock its full potential.