Applications invited for energy network innovation projects across multiple challenge areas

The Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund has opened applications for two Discovery competitions aimed at supporting innovation in the energy sector and contributing to net zero objectives while reducing costs for consumers. Discovery is the first stage of a four-phase process, followed by Alpha, Beta and Deployment.

Up to £30 million has been allocated to the Discovery Phase, with individual projects able to request up to £200,000. The funding is intended to support projects focused on areas including advanced energy transmission, dynamic modelling, green gas, decentralised system balancing and reducing energy outages.

Lead applicants must be an Ofgem licensed gas distribution network, gas transmission operator, electricity transmission operator, electricity distribution operator or electricity system operator. Projects must include at least one partner organisation and additional eligibility requirements apply depending on the selected challenge theme.

Eligible partners may include research organisations, technology providers, consumer representative bodies, policy specialists and network planners. Other collaborators can include start-ups, SMEs, suppliers, academics, independent researchers, disruptors and licensed energy network companies.

Applicants are encouraged to consider how projects could progress from Discovery through to commercialisation in later phases.