The PNDC is a smart grid innovation acceleration centre, which brings together academics, engineers and technologists to define and execute research, development, and demonstration projects with the aim of shaping and optimising smart electricity networks of the future. The facility contains a unique 11kV and LV distribution network able to represent various network configurations (i.e. urban, rural and hybrid). This affords the pre-commercial development, testing and demonstration of HV and LV equipment and secondary control, protection, communications and measurement systems. As such, the ‘real life’ distribution network at the PNDC provides a unique platform for researching, developing and demonstrating innovative solutions as they apply to electric networks. PNDC has facilitated industry-scale projects for UK wide application and has leveraged international project developments for UK adoption.