The Northern Isles New Energy Solutions (NINES) concept is an extension to existing forms of Active Network Management (ANM) and a multi-faceted demonstration of the future “smart grid”. The NINES project is challenged with accommodating increased levels of renewable generation in an area where there are abundant renewable resources. However, the existing distribution network is electrically islanded and needs to operate within stringent constraints to maintain system stability. This paper discusses and presents modelling approaches to identify rule formats and parameters that can be incorporated within an ANM scheme that will facilitate these connections and maintain system stability. The paper goes on to discuss the use of these modelling outputs as criteria to inform the development of the future Shetland system