Cheshire, UnitedKingdom — 2nd Feb 2026 — Third Equation and ESB Networks have officially commenced a groundbreaking pilot program to deploy Third Equation’s Grid Enhancing Technology (GET), the Network Exchanger (NEx), on Ireland’s low voltage (LV) grid. The project arises from the Free Electrons Innovation process and aims to validate how advanced, real time voltage control and power quality management can unlock meaningful new connection capacity andsupport Ireland’s accelerating clean energy transition.
Ireland’s LV networks are experiencing rapidly growing volumes of rooftop solar, EV home charging,heat pumps, and rural network constraints. Traditional reinforcement can be costly and slow. This project will demonstrate how smart, retrofit ready technology can help ESB Networks:
· Maintain customer voltage within regulated limits
· Increase the usable capacity of existing LV assets by up to 20% through phase balancing and power factor correction
· Reduce harmonics and improve power quality
· Relieve congestion and reduce curtailment of distributed generation
If successful, this approach could become a cost-effective alternative to conventional reinforcement and accelerate Ireland’s ability to adopt clean technologies at scale.
Greg Dujon, CEO, Third Equation announced, “This collaboration with ESB Networks marks a major milestone in proving how intelligent LV level control can unlock new capacity and improve power quality across real distribution networks. The NEx is designed to help network operators get more from the assets they already have, and Ireland is leading the way in testing state of the art technology. The real-time data gathered will additionally enhance our machine learning algorithms, advancing our predictive analytics for grid stability and load management.”
The initiative will see the installation of 800 kVA ground mounted NEx in suburban LV networks experiencing real world voltage challenges. The pilot program will run over a twelve-month period, covering both peak solar and peak winter seasons.
The NetworkExchangers’ (NEx) core capabilities under evaluation include:
· Total substation voltage control
· Phase balancing and power factor correction
· Harmonics reduction
· Demand management through voltage control
Data will be logged continuously, with Third Equation and ESB Networks jointly reviewing results throughout the trial period.
At the end of the project, Third Equation and ESB Networks expect to have demonstrated:
1. Reliable, real time voltage control across LV feeders—maintaining customer voltages within 207–253 V under varying load and generation conditions.
2. Measurable reductions in harmonic content and improved power quality.
3. A quantifiable increase in grid hosting capacity (up to 20%), allowing more rooftop solar, EV charging, and LCTs to connect without reinforcement.
4. Reduced export curtailment for customers with solar PV.
5. Validation of predictive grid management, to optimise NEx behaviour.
6. Clear evidence for ESB Networks to assess the business case for future deployment across the wider network.
On successful conclusion, this project could provide ESB Networks with the option of a deployable tool to relieve LV constraints rapidly, reduce customer curtailment,and unlock additional capacity within existing infrastructure. This supports national goals for renewable integration, demand electrification, and grid modernisation, without waiting for lengthy and expensive reinforcementprogrammes.
“As more customers adopt low carbon technologies, we must explore innovative solutions that maintain power quality while supporting the decarbonisation of the electricity system by 2040.” said Ciarán Geaney, Innovation Manager, ESB Networks, “This pilot with Third Equation offers valuable insight into new methods for increasing capacity on the LV network.”
About ThirdEquation
ThirdEquation develops next generation grid enhancing technology (GET) for distribution networks. Its flagship product, the Network Exchanger (NEx), delivers real time voltage control, harmonic reduction, phase balancing, and predictive grid management to increase capacity and improve power quality across LV networks. By unlocking existing grid capacity and enabling greater integration of renewable energy sources, NEx accelerates the transition to a decarbonized electricity grid.
About ESBNetworks
ESB Networks is the electricity distribution system operator, distribution asset owner and onshore transmission asset owner, licensed by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities in Ireland.We are responsible for developing, operating and maintaining the electricity distribution system that supports the daily lives of more than 2.5 million customers and their families. Our innovation programme is aligned with the ESB Networks strategy to deliver a netzero-ready electricity network by 2040, focusing on solutions that help the network respond to emerging needs and support national climate and housing policy objectives.
About Free Electrons
Free Electrons is the world’s leading innovation platform for energy related start-ups. Now in its tenth year, Free Electrons has become the world’s leading energy sector start-up accelerator program and is the best opportunity for start-ups in the energy space to grow and develop their businesses.
The energy market has seen rapid changes in recent years, with the rise of renewables, decentralisation of the energy system, regulatory uncertainties and disruptive new technologies. To stay ahead, there is a strong need for utilities to source more innovation externally and consider the ‘beyond utilities’ business models. During the program startups work alongside the utilities to deliver cuttingedge solutions and co-create the future of energy. The program focuses onworking together to pilot projects, commercially deploy products, facilitate investment opportunities, learning and development.
ESB is a founding member of the program and works alongside its utility partners, China Light & Power (Hong Kong), EDP (Portugal), E.ON, (Germany), Hydro Quebec(Canada), and Origin Energy (Australia).
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Contact Jon Fisher – Marketing and Communications
E: jon.fisher@thirdequation.com
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