SSEN are responsible for delivering electrical power to over 3.9 million homes and businesses across the north of Scotland and central southern England.

They are responsible for maintaining and investing in the electricity transmission network of these regions, which involves modernising, digitalising and decarbonising their existing network. They operate over 128,000 kilometres of overhead lines and underground cables, along with over 106,000 substations.

They are committed to keeping their customers connected whilst developing the flexible electricity network vital to achieving net zero.

Our solution

Synaptec solves the challenges of multi-ended circuit protection with accurate, cost-effective and scalable technology. DES is a proprietary technology platform developed in the UK by Synaptec, using specially modified FBGs (Fibre Bragg Gratings) to leverage the range and bandwidth of optical fibre. Measured values can be utilised as part of centralised Protection and Control (PAC) schemes, or communicated to traditional PAC devices for analysis via IEC 61850-9-2 / 61869-9.

This platform enables centralised measurement from up to 30 sensors over a 60 km radius using a single optical fibre, eliminating the need for multiple protection relays, complex telecommunications, and time-synchronisation systems. By simplifying infrastructure and reducing installation complexity, the solution provides accurate, reliable, and scalable protection for multi-ended circuits. Fully compliant with international IEC 61850 standards, the platform delivers cost-effective, real-time protection while supporting future expansion of the network.