£450m fund to unlock innovation in gas and electricity networks
The new Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund, delivered through a partnership with Innovate UK, is seeking innovative, ambitious ideas to transform energy networks.
A new fund opening at the end of August 2021 will unlock greener ways to travel and to heat and power homes and businesses, by harnessing a new approach to energy network innovation. This will:
- keep bills as low as possible
- drive the UK towards its goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
- help turn the UK into the ‘Silicon Valley’ of energy.
The fund, which opens for application on 31 August, is part of Ofgem’s RII02 price controls for the electricity system operator and the network companies that operate GB’s energy pipes and wires. The fund will be approved by Ofgem and managed in partnership with Innovate UK.
£450 million will initially become available over the next five years through the fund, with the option to increase in response to need and if innovators bring forward strong plans. Together, network companies, system operators, and the world’s leading businesses and researchers will use this money to drive big ideas that:
- accelerate the transition to an emissions-free energy system
- help to position the UK as a world leader in energy innovation.
Energy transition
To apply for the first round of funding, network companies must address four major strategic challenges that are crucial for the energy transition. These are:
- whole system integration
- data and digitalisation
- heat
- transport.
Projects could include, but are not limited to:
- ensuring the networks are ready to roll out clean heating solutions such as heat pumps to Britain’s homes
- developing ways for network companies to work together across transmission, distribution, system operation, gas and electricity.
- developing new technologies for networks to support flexible energy solutions, such as battery storage technology, to ensure electricity is used and stored more effectively, thereby bringing down bills and emissions.
Ideas need to be big, bold and ambitious with potential to scale across the networks upon completion.
Decarbonising the energy system
Energy minister, Lord Callanan at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial strategy, said:
"The UK is leading the world in decarbonising our energy system, with our innovators playing a vital role in going further while ensuring consumers receive clean and affordable energy.
The Strategic Innovation Fund will ensure the best projects and most talented minds have the grants available to reduce carbon emissions and enable bill payers to see the benefits of building back greener."
Net zero greenhouse gas emissions
Jonathan Brearley, chief executive of Ofgem, said:
"What we need more than ever to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reach net zero is innovation. The Strategic Innovation Fund means cutting-edge ideas and new technologies become a reality, helping us find greener ways to travel, and to heat and power Britain at low cost.
Britain’s energy infrastructure will play a pivotal role in cutting net zero greenhouse gas emissions, and this fund will help make sure our energy system is ready to deliver that."
Read more information on the Strategic Innovation Fund challenge competition on the the Ofgem website.
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