National Grid has been awarded just over £15m for three net zero innovation projects as part of Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) programme.
The projects consist of using digital tools to support regional energy planning and maximising the capacity of the distribution network for low carbon technologies, plus the development of a long-term strategy to reduce dependency on SF6 gas.
The funding sees the projects progressing to the next stage of the regulator’s scheme to encourage innovation and help transform the UK’s energy systems in line with net zero.
National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) has been awarded £8.5m for a project that will help develop a net zero electricity network by creating a long-term strategy to remove electrical insulating gas SF6 from the network.
National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) has been awarded £6.8m for two projects supporting local decision-making on regional energy planning for net zero on a single digital platform and addressing the potential load imbalance across phases in the distribution network as more customers opt for low carbon technologies.
The projects have been funded through the programme’s Beta Phase, which allows for the testing of innovation at a scale that can support future commercialisation and integration into the UK energy networks, typically following earlier feasibility work delivered through the Discovery and Alpha phases.
These funding awards will support National Grid’s efforts to accelerate the transition to a net zero future, while delivering tangible benefits to energy networks, local authorities and consumers.
Both NGET and NGED will be collaborating with the electricity system operator (ESO) on a separate SIF-funded Powering Wales Renewably project to accelerate low carbon energy in Wales.
Paul Morris, Head of Future Capacity at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: “National Grid Electricity Distribution is committed to driving innovation and collaboration to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future.
“The funding awards from the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund recognise the huge potential in both of these projects, and will enable us to further develop and deploy these cutting-edge solutions that contribute to achieving net zero and improving customer experience.”