National Grid Electricity Distribution net zero innovation projects secure combined £6.8 million investment from Ofgem fund

Two National Grid Electricity Distribution-led innovation projects will continue their work after securing funding from the next stage of Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) programme, managed in partnership with Innovate UK.

We have been awarded £6.8 million 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.

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.”

Find out more in Ofgem’s full SIF funding announcement: £84 million of SIF funding to accelerate race to net zero – UKRI

Planning Regional Infrastructure in a Digital Environment (PRIDE) - £3.7 million

In partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority, Advanced Infrastructure Technology Ltd, Regen, and National Grid ESO, the PRIDE project focuses on using digital tools to share data and work more closely with local authorities on an integrated approach to planning and connecting low carbon technologies. Network data (on factors such as capacity) will give local authorities greater insight when drawing up their Local Area Energy Plans and enable them to plan projects and investment in energy, transport, heating and housing. In return, National Grid Electricity Distribution will obtain data from local authorities to help plan and deliver network development and reinforcement where it’s needed most to ensure the network is ready ahead of need. The project will start in November 2024.

Cheryl Hiles, director of Energy Capital, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), said:

“This project is perfectly timed to have a genuine impact on how we all work together to ensure that our energy system supports the prosperous net zero future that we’re striving to achieve.

“The Government has made becoming a clean energy superpower one of its missions and Ofgem is widening the scope of energy system planning through the establishment of the new National Energy System Operator. Project PRIDE is putting the West Midlands at the forefront of this by giving ‘places’ a voice in these big system changes, and ensuring that the information needed to support good decision making flows easily to those who need it.”

Fraser Stewart, Regen’s Just Transition Lead said:

“This is a critical opportunity to unlock more democratic, collaborative and dynamic energy planning for local authorities, networks and regional stakeholders across the UK and we’re delighted to be playing a part.

“Through a combination of innovative energy planning tools, data processes and governance structures, PRIDE will enable more accessible, coordinated strategic planning and investment in the energy system at a local level, to accelerate the net zero transition in a way that reflects the distinct needs of people and places across the country.”

Bridget Hartley, Head of Regional Energy Strategic Planning at the ESO, said:

"The PRIDE Strategic Innovation Fund project is a valuable opportunity to shape and pilot new approaches to regional governance, digital tools and local engagement which are key to the development of our new Regional Energy Strategic Planning (RESP) role. We are excited to be a partner and look forward to working hand in hand with stakeholders, leveraging innovation as we shape regional energy system planning.”

Christopher Jackson, Advanced Infrastructure Technology Ltd CEO and Co-Founder, said:

“LAEP+ is a software tool that empowers local authorities to make informed and faster decisions on their path to net zero. NGED's support in rolling out this tool to local authorities allows us to support the public sector in developing the skills and capabilities to deliver net zero. The BETA phase of the PRIDE project is a pivotal moment in demonstrating the value of digital innovation in the local area energy planning process across the West Midlands; and by leveraging digital twins and granular data built upon Advanced Infrastructure's LAEP+ platform.”

Phase Switch System Project - £3.1 million

The Phase Switch System (PSS) addresses the potential load imbalance across phases in the distribution network as more customers opt for low carbon technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicles. By automatically minimising phase imbalance, the PSS system maximises the capacity of the network allowing for more low carbon technology to be added to the network before network reinforcement is required. This means that National Grid Electricity Distribution can utilise its resource for LV reinforcement more efficiently at a time when workload is expected to increase. The additional benefits of the Phase Switch System include fewer outages caused by phase imbalance, resulting in reduced service visits and an improved customer experience. The reduction of losses is expected to have a positive impact on associated costs and carbon emissions.