Japanese technology firm Hitachi is expanding trials of its smart grid technology in South West England and South Wales.

The series of field tests are looking at how to link renewable sources of electricity into local distribution networks more simply and cheaply.

UK firm Western Power Distribution (WPD) which is running the tests is using Hitachi systems which reduce fluctuations in voltage on power distribution lines where green energy sources such as wind turbines (pictured) or Solar PV are connected.

Kiyoshi Yamamoto, Managing Director of Hitachi Europe said: “The result is a solution that will allow renewables to be connected to district electricity networks in a cost-effective way, bringing benefits for network operators and the environment.”

Showing the technology could work with “more complex scenarios” was important, added Roger Hey, Future Networks Manager at Western Power Distribution.