Innovation Strategy
As an organisation at the heart of the energy system, NESO is uniquely positioned to facilitate innovation across the sector. That means working with industry to tackle the toughest problems, together.
NESO regularly updates its Innovation Strategy. We undertake extensive engagement with industry and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) within NESO to identify the key challenges and uncertainties facing the energy system and how innovation can help address them.
NESO’s Whole System Innovation Strategy 2025/2026
This year’s Innovation Strategy is our first since becoming NESO and our first to take a whole system view. It sets out not just where we will focus our own innovation efforts, but where we believe the whole industry must take collective action.
Six innovation priorities for Clean Power by 2030
Our strategy identifies six innovation priorities. These areas require accelerated innovation to meet the government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan and begin preparing the whole energy system for net zero by 2050.
It also outlines five innovation enablers. While not the direct focus of future projects, the sector must work together to create these conditions to maximise the impact of innovation initiatives.
Got an idea or want to collaborate?
We’re actively looking to partner with industry and academia on projects that align with these priorities. Fill out the Big Idea form to submit a project proposal or contact the Innovation team via email for more ways to collaborate.
Before doing so, please ensure you view the innovation priorities for 2025/2026 in full.
What’s next?
NESO will collaborate with stakeholders across the energy sector to create the next Whole System Innovation Strategy. This engagement will focus on identifying innovation needs and building a shared vision for how we prepare the whole energy system for net zero by 2050.