Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) has awarded £12 million to support 15 new energy projects aimed at transforming Great Britain’s energy networks and accelerating the path to net zero emissions
These energy projects, selected through the SIF’s second funding cycle, range from early-stage concepts to large-scale demonstrators, addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing the country’s energy infrastructure.
A path to innovation
The SIF follows a phased innovation model designed to explore a wide range of ideas and to go ahead with the most promising ones. The newly funded initiatives are divided into three distinct phases:
- Discovery: 10 feasibility projects (up to 5 months) received £1.3 million
- Alpha: 3 proof-of-concept projects (up to 8 months) received £1.4 million
- Beta: 2 large demonstrators (up to 5 years) received £9.3 million
These phases enable ideas to develop gradually, with clear criteria at each stage to assess their readiness for full-scale implementation.
Driving progress towards net zero
The funded projects tackle real-world problems in the energy system, aligning with the UK’s commitment to reach net zero by 2050. This includes heat flexibility, network resilience, and the integration of hydrogen and carbon dioxide transport, all while maintaining a focus on consumer impact and energy equity.
Two standout energy projects will progress to full deployment trials are:
- VERIFY:
- This project, led by Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution, will develop data-driven tools to help ensure a fair and inclusive energy transition. By combining consumer demographics, smart meter data, and network insights, VERIFY aims to tailor energy investments to community needs.
- FutureGrid CO2:
- Run by National Gas Transmission, this project will test the safe transportation of gaseous carbon dioxide through repurposed gas infrastructure. It marks the final stage in a research suite designed to enable the reuse of CO2 pipelines for carbon capture and storage applications.
Early-stage innovation takes shape
Three projects have entered the Alpha phase, where concepts are further tested and validated. These include:
- Data to Insights (D2I):
- Improving how energy customers interact with open data for greater transparency and decision-making.
- B-Linepack+:
- Exploring underground energy storage in rock shafts to support gas transmission resilience.
- FOGSI:
- Creating future energy system models that better simulate interactions between gas and electricity networks.
Ten additional Discovery projects are now underway. These include:
- Project VOLT:
- Exploring renewable energy solutions in high-emission zones like ports and airports.
- HOT CHIPS:
- Investigating how data centres can supply waste heat to district heating systems.
- SHARED:
- Assessing low-cost hydrogen’s potential to improve resilience in rural communities.
- ODIN:
- Using AI to analyse high-voltage direct current systems for improved
Energy independence
This funding round is a testament of Ofgem’s wider ambition to support energy independence and climate resilience through proactive and collaborative innovation. According to Ofgem and Innovate UK, not all projects will progress to full demonstration; however, each will contribute valuable insights to help shape a more innovative and cleaner energy system.
