To reach government net zero ambitions by 2050 and clean power by 2030 we need to increase the pace of Great Britain’s energy network decarbonisation.
These nine round four discovery projects are taking the first steps on their journey to accelerate the delivery of net zero energy networks.
Grid transition
The shift towards more renewable generation and low carbon technologies is driving connection applications.
As these already large queues grow further, the need for efficient solutions becomes critical.
FastTrack will provide an artificial intelligence (AI) solution that aims to simulate the impact of small and large-scale connection requests.
This will provide network planners with actionable insights to make faster, more informed decisions on future investments.
Driving network capacity
With this increase in demand for connections, network capacity will need intervention.
Dynamic, Data Driven Asset Rating (3D-AR) will enable the deployment of a data-driven solution that optimises capacity through real-time, localised weather data and asset modelling.
This will enhance network investment planning, reduce costs and ensure long-term resilience for faster, more efficient connections.
Efficient maintenance
Energy networks regularly perform repairs and maintenance to make sure the network is reliable.
Many of the operations require outages and can put pressure on the rest of the electrical network.
The DEsign for Live Line Technology Acceleration (DELLTA) project is looking at how live line working can relieve this pressure to keep the lights on.
Heat flexibility
As we transition away from gas to a more electrified energy system, we must explore ways we can use and store greener energy when it is available.
Flex-Store propose using electrified thermal storage solutions, such as phase change materials and thermochemical storage, to enhance grid stability and provide backup during supply disruptions.
This approach will ensure:
- reliable heating for vulnerable customers
- cost savings
- reduced peak demand
- improved heat and grid flexibility
Embedding resilience
Rural industries may find the transition to decarbonisation challenging.
This is where network operators can provide support and help in making the right decisions.
Rural Industrial DEcarbonisation Support (RIDES) will develop a tool to show rural industries their potential decarbonisation pathways.
This will help network companies to understand their future investment needs, and provide efficient, coordinated investment by network companies and their customers.
Just transition
Several projects are looking at the challenges faced as we transition away from natural gas and repurpose the gas network.
Gas Network Evolution Simulator (GNES), will identify the challenges and benefits of the transition by analysing economic, social and environmental impacts of gas network decommissioning and exploring new infrastructure opportunities.
This will help support vulnerable populations, ensuring a smooth transition to low-carbon energy sources while minimising consumer disruption and maximising network efficiency.
Responding to a changing energy system
As the gas transmission network responds to a changing energy system, they will be required to decommission large site-based assets in certain locations.
Digital Decommissioning of Large-Scale Equipment, will implement an innovative AI tool to help National Gas manage decommissioning.
This will drive benefits such as:
- increased accuracy of cost estimation
- ways to reduce carbon emissions
- identify re-use potential
- reduction in time taken to decommission
Consumer value through repurposing
Alt Pipe will identify decommissioned elements of redundant pipework on the transmission system which are unlikely to be used for refurbishment, or part of any wider repurposing of the core network.
Exploring the potential of repurposing these for alternative uses including the storage or transmission of electrical energy, heat, fuels, water and data.
Accelerating towards net zero energy networks
On our journey to net zero, we need to think about the protection and safety of our energy.
The Innovating Losses Analysis and Detection (I-LAD) project is looking at modern data techniques to identify and monitor electrical losses.
Losses due to theft not only have a direct impact on consumer bills, they can also lead to serious safety incidents.
Without intervention the difference between energy that enters the electrical network and that which reaches consumers will increase.
Clean power for the future
The SIF continues to work with key energy stakeholders to identify and address the most pressing net zero challenges faced by Great Britain’s energy networks.
It brings together networks and innovators as collaborative teams to deliver the solutions we need to become a global energy leader and achieve clean power for the future.
Potential to transform our energy network
Marzia Zafar, Deputy Director of Digitalisation and Innovation at Ofgem, said:
From accelerating the pace of connecting clean energy to the grid, to ensuring reliable heating for the most vulnerable customers, these projects have the potential to transform our energy network.
Ofgem funding is enabling the most innovative technologies and ideas to flourish, cementing our commitment to protecting consumers by empowering projects that will reduce bills and emissions.
In order to reach clean power by 2030, we have to think outside the box.
As a regulator, Ofgem is committed to doing that, funding exciting innovations and removing barriers to market entry wherever possible.
We’re very excited to see these early-stage projects develop.
Building a cleaner, greener future
Jodie Giles, Deputy Director, Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund at Innovate UK, said:
We are delighted to be awarding £1.1m of SIF funding to these nine Discovery projects, congratulations to the successful energy networks and their partners.
Thanks to all the applicants and people who make these fast feasibility projects possible.
I’m looking forward to seeing the learning and results of these projects, which are ultimately about realising the massive opportunities to build a cleaner greener future, underpinned by energy networks that will enable the energy transition.
Further information
Ofgem SIF: round four discovery, summary of projects approved by challenge
Challenge one: faster network development
FastTrack: AI for Connections
Network type: electricity distribution
Project partners:
- Southern Electric Power Distribution (lead applicant)
- Faculty Science
SIF funding award: £143,033
FastTrack, an AI solution, aims to simulate the impact of both small and large-scale connection requests.
It will use data on network capacity, load, and external factors, to present a ‘rolled up’ view of overall demand.
This will provide distribution network operators with risk-weighted insights to make faster, more informed decisions on future investments, helping network planners prioritise interventions and improving delivery times.
Dynamic, Data Driven Asset Rating (3D-AR)
Network type: electricity distribution
Project partners:
- Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (lead applicant)
- SIA Partners
SIF funding award: £108,352
This project enables the deployment of a data-driven solution that optimises capacity through real-time, localised weather data and asset modelling.
It will do this by leveraging dynamic asset ratings at scale for the first time at distribution level.
3DAR will enhance network investment planning, reducing costs and ensuring long-term resilience for faster, more efficient connections.
DEsign for Live Line Technology Acceleration (DELLTA)
Network type: electricity transmission
Project partners:
- National Grid Electricity Transmission (lead applicant)
- The University of Manchester
- Fraser Nash Consultancy
SIF funding award: £107,787
Live line working can relieve electrical pressure caused by maintenance and repair tasks.
However electrical infrastructure is currently not built with live line working in mind, thus making it hard to deploy this service in most locations.
Project DELLTA will look at Live Line working as a key asset design parameter from the outset.
Challenge two: greater heat flexibility
FLEX-STORE: FLEXible STORE of electrified thermal energy
Network type: electricity distribution
Project partners:
- Northern Powergrid (lead applicant)
- University of Birmingham
- WSP UK
- Together Housing Association
SIF funding award: £148,816
The use of electrified thermal storage solutions, such as phase change materials and thermochemical storage, will enhance grid stability and provide backup during supply disruptions.
This approach ensures reliable heating for vulnerable customers while offering additional benefits like:
- cost savings
- reduced peak demand
- improved heat and grid flexibility
Challenge three: embedding resilience
Rural Industrial DEcarbonisation Support (RIDES)
Network type: electricity distribution
Project partners:
- Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (lead applicant)
- The Association for Decentralised Energy
- Guidehouse Europe
SIF funding award: £110,655
RIDES will develop a tool to show rural industries their potential decarbonisation pathways.
It will also help network companies to understand what their future investments needs will be, allowing efficient, coordinated investment by network companies and their customers.
Gas Network Evolution Simulator (GNES)
Network type: gas distribution
Project partners:
- Northern Gas Networks (lead applicant)
- Southern Gas Networks
- Centre for Energy Equality
SIF funding award: £132,744
Using advanced agent based modelling, GNES simulates the complex interactions between stakeholders such as:
- gas distribution networks
- electricity networks
- consumers
- policymakers
It analyses economic, social and environmental impacts of gas network decommissioning and explores new infrastructure opportunities.
This will inform the development of cost-effective, equitable solutions that support vulnerable populations in the transition to low-carbon energy sources.
Digital Decommissioning of Large-Scale Equipment
Network type: gas transmission
Project partners:
- National Gas Transmission (lead applicant)
- Genesis Oil and Gas Consultants
SIF funding award: £104,849
Decommissioning goes beyond the conclusion of an asset’s lifespan and encompasses a complex deconstruction process.
This project will implement an AI tool to help National Gas manage decommissioning.
This will:
- increase the accuracy of cost estimation
- reduce carbon emissions
- identify re-use potential
- lower the overall time taken to decommission
Alt Pipe
Network type: gas transmission
Project partners:
- National Gas Transmission (lead applicant)
- EA Technology
- Ramboll UK
- Lane Clark and Peacock
SIF funding award: £149,773
This discovery project will identify decommissioned elements of redundant pipework on the transmission system which are unlikely to be used for refurbishment or wider repurposing of the core network.
It will then explore the potential of repurposing these for alternative uses including the storage or transmission of electrical energy, heat, fuels, water and data.
Challenge four: accelerating towards net zero energy networks
Innovating Losses Analysis and Detection (I-LAD)
Network type: electricity distribution
Project partners:
- Southern Electric Power Distribution (lead applicant)
- CGI IT UK
- ScottishPower Energy Retail
- Frontier Economics
SIF funding award: £149,167
Current methods of identifying and monitoring losses are outdated and inefficient.
The I-LAD project will utilise modern data techniques to improve:
- automating and modernising losses data collection
- identification and modelling
- understanding of total losses landscape
This will:
- improve cross sector coordination
- improve monitoring and measurement of losses interventions
- reduce serious safety incidents caused by theft
- reduce the impact of theft on consumer’s bill and our carbon footprint
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