Innovation in Action: The groundbreaking ideas tackling Britain’s energy challenges

Future energy 31 Jul 2026 - 2 minute read
Beach

Innovation is central to building a more resilient and cleaner energy system. That’s why we’re innovating to tackle some of the most complex challenges facing Great Britain’s (GB) energy future.

In this year’s Annual Summary, you can see the progress of our groundbreaking projects and how our innovation portfolio will continue to develop into the future.

Check out our standout innovation projects
  • FastPress Alpha +: developed a tool to help analysts plan the gas network more effectively. It used AI to quickly test different future demand and supply scenarios, helping teams understand how the network could respond under different conditions, and is now progressing into Beta phase.

 

  • Network Topology Optimisation (NTO): explored how we can manage the electricity network more efficiently by making better use of existing network capacity, reducing bottlenecks, and limiting the need for manual intervention.

 

 

  • Grid Connection Simulation Tool: enabled plant owners, manufacturers and consultants to securely test how their technology connects to the electricity network, supporting faster planning while protecting sensitive system information.

 

  • Managing Large Interconnector Moves (MLIM): looked at why electricity flows can change unexpectedly between GB and connected countries. The project explored how data analysis and simulation tools could help teams better predict these changes and make more informed operational decisions.
Want to see more innovation?

Our Annual Summary includes 10 exciting projects we’re working on.

Read here

Collaboration driving innovation

Over the last year, we worked with 79 partners, from large businesses and research organisations to utilities, academia and network operators, to deliver 65 Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) projects and 3 Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) projects. We also received 315 Big Ideas, 94% from third parties, helping us expand our network and explore new opportunities to benefit GB.

 

Innovation partners

 

Want to get involved?

If you have an idea for a project that aligns with our innovation priorities, fill out the Big Idea form to submit a proposal, or contact the Innovation team via email for more ways to participate. Alternatively, visit our Innovation website page to learn more about our process, funding mechanisms and how you can get involved.