Following investment from Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), UK Power Networks (UKPN) is set to launch a “major series of innovation projects” to help the UK achieve a “Silicon Valley of energy.”
The 15 UKPN projects that were backed in the latest SIF-funding cover a range of sectors and aim to provide low carbon benefits throughout London, the South East and the East of England.
The distribution network operator (DNO) said it will complete over a quarter of the 53 SIF-funded projects via power and gas networks across the UK.
The new SIF-funded projects include:
- Heat Risers is a project aiming to decarbonise the heating systems of multi-occupancy buildings
- Connectrolyser aims to develop new electricity connection agreement and flexibility product that can accelerate new connections and scale the development of electrolyser hubs
- Lightspeed is a project looking to develop bi-directional lamppost-based electric vehicle (EV) charging, offering charging at 7-22kW whilst also providing energy back to the grid
- SHIELD will test and deploy new business models for the installation of low carbon technologies
“This funding is a testament to the remarkable impact our team have delivered up until this point, and a show of strong belief from Ofgem that we can continue to drive the transition to net zero as seamlessly as possible for our customers,” said Ian Cameron, director of customer service and innovation at UK Power Networks.
“The funding is connecting us with even more independent innovators. We’ve already witnessed the remarkable benefits of working with the industry to develop new products and are excited to engage with new parties looking to make an active difference in the electricity sector.
“Investing in innovation will be key in facilitating net zero, and SIF is a wonderful way to inspire industry groups to bring their forward-thinking ideas to life. We’re looking forward to sharing our learnings with the sector and can’t wait to see what other projects spring up as a result.”
