Recent Additions to the EDC
Browse details of new data, projects and publications added to the EDC
09/04/2025
31 new projects added
GRN: NIA_UKPN0104
Period: 01/10/2024 to 28/02/2026
Funding Source: Ofgem
AI for Visibility and Forecasting of Renewable Generation aims to improve metered and behind the meter solar and wind generation forecasts to procure flexibility and reduce curtailment more efficiently, and better inform network investment. This will consist of the development of a machine learning algorithm that takes timeseries data from commercial customers and satellite imagery, weather forecasts and other open data to provide a live forecast service. This forecast will improve on the spatial and temporal granularity of existing forecasting, supporting the more efficient procurement of flexibility services and curtailment of generation, ultimately leading to financial savings for the DSO and customers, as well as CO2 savings.
GRN: NIA_WWU_2_64
Period: 01/09/2024 to 31/03/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
The UK Hydrogen Strategy emphasises the pivotal role of low carbon hydrogen in achieving net-zero targets, especially in challenging sectors like heavy industry, transportation, and power. Ambitious government targets aim to deliver 2GW of low carbon hydrogen by 2025 and 10GW by 2030.The only mature technology for producing green hydrogen (no carbon emissions) is water electrolysis, which uses renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This technology is not only incredibly energy intensive, but also has difficulty using intermittent power such as from wind/solar.The project addresses both of these challenges through innovative biomass electrolysis technology, which uses liquid waste biomass to produce green hydrogen and green chemicals. Overall this could reduce costs of future upgrades by aiding decision making through evidence-based analysis of gas user requirements and energy flows across the network.
GRN: NIA2_INFU0344
Period: 01/01/2025 to 30/11/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
This paper proposes the development of a functional prototype of an accessible CO alarm with integrated IoT features, tailored to the needs of vulnerable and disabled individuals. The driver for this paper is the identified gap in accessible CO safety technology for disabled communities, as highlighted in Phase 1.With increased government and industry focus on inclusivity, now is an opportune moment to advance this project. The expected outcomes are a fully developed and tested prototype, stakeholder engagement to support future phases, and a potential innovation fund for ongoing development. This is an innovation project focused on safety and inclusivity, with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) currently at TRL 3 (proof of concept).
GRN: NIA_UKPN0106
Period: 01/01/2025 to 31/03/2026
Funding Source: Ofgem
CommsConnect aims to improve Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) visibility of the resilience of public mobile networks to understand the interdependence between these two systems. The project consists of two technical methods of data gathering to better understand the resilience and power autonomy of public mobile networks:1. A software upgrade to existing mobile routers to use idle time to monitor surrounding mobile network availability. Mobile routers deployed across DNO operating regions would create a wide-area sensor network to detect and report any mobile outages.2. Direct engagement with mobile network operators to obtain the physical location of each mast, and if possible the associated installed power autonomy available at each site.
GRN: NPG_NIA_54
Period: 01/02/2025 to 31/03/2026
Funding Source: Ofgem
The current, static nature of DUoS charges fails to address the increasing variability of when periods of peak demand occur e.g. instances ofprice herding around periods of negative wholesale prices that can fall outside of thetraditional peak demand periods. While explicitly contracted flexibility services can seek to address this through demand turn down/generation turn up services, procuring such services adds cost &complexity to mitigating network constraints. Additionally the totality of the network is not usually considered, with a focus often on either an HV or LV solution. Dynamic network pricing will take the form of a multi-voltage level network price as well as differentiation within the same voltage level, enabling specific assets, such as individual low voltage feeder cables to be priced uniquely based on prevailing conditions. This network level approach will co-ordinate price signals to efficiently mitigate system wide constraints&avoid possible conflicting actions
GRN: NIA2_NGET0070
Period: 01/09/2024 to 30/09/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
The project aims to use a 3D printer to print substation foundations using low carbon concrete (Geo polymer mix) to reduce the construction driven carbon emissions. The supplier (Hyperion) has 3D printing mortar capable of resisting high forces with 50 years of design life. The project will optimize the design and will reduce the current material use by 50%. The foundations will be twice light as compared to the typical foundations. They will be transportable and can be precast near the site. The aim is to achieve the carbon emission reduction, concrete material reduction, weight reduction, labour reduction, and swiftness of the process. This project at first will explore the printability of lighting column foundation which is simple approach as compared to other foundations.
GRN: NGET/Eye_in_the_Sky/SIFDataDig
Period: 01/08/2022 to 01/02/2023
Funding Source: Ofgem
This project brings forward 3 of 12 asset monitoring use cases studiedduring the Discovery phase, which at maturity would collectively deliver anestimated 22 million GBP (NPV over 10 years) value to Networks and customersthrough a combination of cost savings by replacing manual ground and aerialmonitoring, and cost avoidance through increased risk awareness. A switch awayfrom manual monitoring will also lower emissions associated with Operation &Maintenance activities. This is closely aligned with the Data and Digitalisationchallenges aims to improve asset visibility and increase monitoring, efficiency,reliability, security, and resiliency of networks.The project will investigate the development of aremote, automated nationwide land and asset motion solution based on the use ofSAR satellite imagery and different InSAR analysis techniques. The project willinvestigate how the accuracy and concentration of land and asset motion datapoints can be improved and integrated into NGETs asset monitoring systems. Theproject will also investigate the development of a remote, automated, nationwidenetwork monitoring solution based on the use of sub meter resolution opticalimagery. The solution will look at risk and change issues in general andspecifically unauthorized construction and storage of building materials. Theproject will advance understanding of the defects/changes experienced by thenetwork, their size, frequency, and risk priority and test EO detection likelihood,with a view to integration into NGETs asset monitoring systems.
GRN: NIA2_NGET0079
Period: 01/01/2025 to 31/08/2026
Funding Source: Ofgem
The energy network transition will require more agile, flexible and interconnected networks underpinned by reliable communications networks in particular where services for protection and control are concerned. Operational fibre optic networks are reaching an age where some of the equipment is starting to fail whilst other parts of the network are intact and may be able to provide significant further service life. This project will examine enhanced optical sensing methods to detect and track the ageing process of fibre optic cables and associated fittings with the aim of providing accurate health information and the capability to forecast failures. The research will include new optical sensing methods as well as new algorithms to interpret the data and correlate to other data sources.?
GRN: NIA2_SGN0060
Period: 01/09/2024 to 31/01/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
This project is a safety-critical H100 Fife Distribution Network Project to train H100 Fife personnel and demonstrate safe interference damage management in gas mains up to 250mm Polyethylene (PE) in diameter for the H100 Fife Distribution network building on previous work developed under the Hypurge project. The Hypurge project focused on planned commissioning and decommissioning purging operations and recommended direct purging for airtight systems up to 90mm in diameter. However, approximately 40% of the H100 distribution Network has pipe diameters above 90mm, and the conclusions of Hypurge cannot be applied to systems where airtightness has been lost, and oxygen ingression is predominant, as experienced during pipeline interference damage without further research.
GRN: NIA2_SGN0051
Period: 01/07/2024 to 31/12/2024
Funding Source: Ofgem
The IGEM/SR/25 hydrogen supplement reveals significant differences in the dispersion distances between Natural Gas and hydrogen, potentially extending hazardous areas beyond current site perimeters following a conversion to hydrogen. The Hazardous Area Impact Mitigation (HAIM) Phase 1 project (NIA2_SGN0041) revealed discrepancies between the calculated values in the hydrogen supplement and small scale empirical test results, necessitating a follow-on phase. Phase 2 will look to engage wider stakeholders, refine experiments to incorporate the impact of wind on releases, map additional vent types like angled vents, and conduct larger scale tests to validate Phase 1 findings across all pressure tiers. Additional work will also be carried out by DNV using industry standard packages to provide further comparison from modelling with the data tables from the IGEM/SR/25 hydrogen supplement.
GRN: NIA2_SGN0071
Period: 01/10/2024 to 28/02/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
The objective of this Project is to help inform (i) GDNs views on the investability of the heat networks business model proposed by DESNZ and Ofgem, in particular on the appropriateness of the proposed use of zoning and adaptations or alternatives to zoning which might be more appropriate; and (ii) GDNs understanding of the prospects for repurposing selected assets on its gas networks to form part of heat networks.
GRN: NIA_NGN_454
Period: 01/09/2024 to 28/02/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
GDNs have committed to replace allat risk iron pipes with polyethylene (PE) by 2032. This initiative has and will continue to be a significant investment of customer money. To avoid the stranding of these assets and further investment of customer money, GDNs are seeking alternative ways to operate and evolve their current gas networks to suit future requirements. It is considered that a PE network could be suited for use in heat networks such as district heating, leading to benefits for existing customers.The output from this project will be a feasibility study that produces a report and dissemination piece. This study will inform GDNs, heat network providers, councils and local area planners about regulatory requirements, commercial viability, any technical or operational challenges.
GRN: NGN_9021_SIF_R2_Discovery (UKR
Period: 01/04/2023 to 01/06/2023
Funding Source: Ofgem
Renewable hydrogen and energy storage options are widely regarded as critical toachieving the UKs 2050 net-zero target. For project developers planning offshore-wind/hydrogen production facilities, an abundance of design choices andconfigurations exist, each of which has advantages and disadvantages, andquestions remain about how to integrate electrolysers/energy storage devices intothe existing energy system. These include (i) where best to locate these systems,(ii) what enabling technologies are required to deploy them efficiently, (iii) how tovalidate/demonstrate novel enabling technologies, and (iv) how to efficiently incorporate the resultant hydrogen into the existing gas network while minimising the costs of a secure, resilient, multi-vector energy system.Answering these questions requires a whole system approach, which the projectseeks to take via three primary work streams:1) Defining the optimal methods of exporting energy from an offshore-wind farm inthe context of value for money for customers.2) Defining the energy carrying characteristics of electricity vs hydrogen toestablish the cost drivers and identify opportunities for cost reduction.3) Understanding the impact on the gas/electricity networks of the imminentincrease in renewable generation into the network and how strategic deploymentof electrolysers, energy storage devices, and novel enabling technologies canreduce energy network investment requirements.The projects longer-term aim is to support Kinewell to build on their expertise andexisting IP to develop a novel, technology-agnostic planning tool to helpdevelopers establish the optimal configuration and additional technologyrequirements on a case-by-case basis. This will significantly reduce costsassociated with offshore-wind/hydrogen production and its integration into the gas network, strengthening the UKs energy system robustness to support efficient roll out of new infrastructure (Theme 2) and accelerating the net-zerotransition.Discovery phase success will enhance the teams understanding of how green hydrogen can effectively deliver net-zero at the lowest cost to consumers, which will provide focus for subsequent phases that will develop and demonstrate the planning tool and demonstrate/validate novel enabling technologies to maximise the tools impact.HyCoRe brings together eight partners with expertise encompassing gas/electricity network distribution operation, offshore-wind technology development/commercialisation, offshore-wind design optimisation, green hydrogen project development, cost modelling and business case development, infrastructure mapping, and supply chain development. The team possess keyskills required to deliver HyCoRe, and to deploy the tool, and any enabling technologies identified, for the benefit of the UK energy system, and ultimately the consumer.
GRN: NIA_WWU_02_67
Period: 01/12/2024 to 31/05/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
The development of large-scale storage of hydrogen is widely accepted to be a critical element of the transition to a future net zero energy system. Most focus at present is on the development of depleted gas fields as hydrogen stores. This project will advance the alternative of development of aquifer structures for hydrogen storage. As a lower cost option, this clearly offers a lower cost integrated energy system to the benefit of all system participants. Aquifers are also significantly more accessible than depleted gas fields, with some regions not having access close to them: e.g. South Wales or the Southwest of England.The objective of this project is to extend the earlier concept work undertaken for the Hydrogen Storage in Aquifers SIF Round 3 Discovery (SIF_WWU_3_1) project into a pre-feasibility study relating to a small number of specific structures.
GRN: NIA2_SGN0056
Period: 01/09/2024 to 31/03/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
This project will look to continue and improve upon the work of NIA2_SGN0025 Interventions for Hydrogen by Asset Group (Asset Interventions) by undertaking additional assessments of the new evidence from Hydrogen Heating Programme (HHP) projects completed since the end of phase 2c and by incorporating any relevant international evidence. The format of the database will also be enhanced to enable easier access to the key points and to review the scoring using a new weighted average method, which will improve accuracy. Summaries of the evidence within the database will also be produced against the HSE Demonstration (D) points and the Evidence Management System (EMS) level 2 sub-requirements to provide an overview to DESNZ on the completeness of the NSI D points.
GRN: NIA_WWU_02_62
Period: 01/11/2024 to 31/08/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
The industry has undertaken many projects to look at the potential implications of an energy transition whereby the gas distribution networks transport hydrogen rather than natural gas. Wales & West Utilities (WWU), together with Northern Gas Networks (NGN) and WSP, have previously undertaken a project to examine past energy transitions made by the gas industry, with a particular focus on the conversion program where the British Gas Industry transitioned from Town Gas to natural gas, and the important decisions that led to this (NIA_WWU_2_17).The Lessons Learnt: Phase Two project will build on the findings of the previous project involving research and reporting on industrial and commercial conversions, network conversions, previous decommissions, and timelines for all aspects, by developing on the findings of the first project in greater depth and detail.
GRN: NIA_WWU_02_65
Period: 01/10/2024 to 30/06/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
This project will identify locations within WWUs network for hydrogen storage in lined rock caverns that are feasible to support the early hydrogen sector and enable hydrogen producers to provide electricity network services.Highlight services that lined rock caverns can cost effectively provide to the hydrogen sector, and compare these costs to alternative available storage options, identifying the timelines that these services are likely to be required.Highlight the network planning implications for the need to connect hydrogen producers and demand to lined rock caverns.
GRN: NIA_WWU_02_61
Period: 01/08/2024 to 31/07/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
The UK Government has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. All future energy modelling identifies a key role for hydrogen in providing decarbonised energy for heat, industry and power generation. Green hydrogen production requires carbon-free electricity, purified water and relatively expensive membranes made from rare metals giving considerable barriers to efficient and cost-effective production.This project will focus on how treatment of industrial manufacturing process wastewater containing elevated levels of contaminants (heavy metals/fibres) and microplastics, can expand water types available for electrolysis, increasing opportunities for co-location of electrolysis citing at industrial clusters and reducing risk of fast passivation of electrodes to reduce ongoing maintenance costs. The resultant water will be used in the process of electrolysis to produce green hydrogen, reducing cost and increasing availability of green hydrogen production.
GRN: NIA_WWU_02_63
Period: 01/09/2024 to 31/03/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
The Climate Change Committee predicts well need at least 100GW of offshore wind by 2050 to meet our Net Zero targets and the ambition is that 1GW will come from Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW). The integration of green hydrogen production and FLOW requires significant investment; there is a need to truly articulate both the financial and wider benefits.In complement to the South Wales Industrial Cluster (SWIC), HyLine Cymru, and previous work under the Milford Haven Energy Kingdom programme, we are now preparing for the delivery of a package of work under the newly formed, Launchpad-funded Milford Haven Hydrogen Kingdom (MHHK) programme.OptiFLOW will answer the crucial question of how it is best to connect offshore hydrogen production to the onshore HyLine pipeline to fuel industrial processes in the SWIC region. OptiFLOW will investigate the options to bring hydrogen onshore from multiple assets cost effectively, whilst bringing wider economic benefits to the UK and the region.
GRN: NPG_NIA_053
Period: 01/02/2025 to 31/07/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
The rising costs of energy, coupled with high poverty rates, disproportionately impact vulnerable households, especially those with disabilities and/or caring responsibilities. Statistics reveal that the proportion of working age disabled people living in poverty is 27%, and their energy bills can be significantly higher than average (Scope, 2022). These costs are forcing many of these families to go without heating or essential medical equipment. As electric vehicle (EV) adoption grows, particularly within the Motability scheme, there is an urgent need to address the energy demands of these vulnerable populations by making the most of emerging technology and maximising the benefits of flexible EV Charging.
GRN: NIA_WWU_02_66
Period: 01/11/2024 to 30/04/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
As the UK attempts to decarbonise residential heat to meet net zero by 2050, electric heat pumps along with heat networks are expected to play a key role. However, it is generally accepted that no one technology will be able to meet the needs of all households. If we are to deliver affordable low- carbon heating in the residential sector, we shall need as wide a range of technology options as possible to overcome the economic and technical challenges facing every customer.Project GaIN (Gathering Insights) will explore alternatives to heat pumps and heat networks which can utilise the robust gas network and benefit from its current upgrade programme, supporting the aims of DESNZs decarbonisation of heat roadmap. The project will discover and assess additional technology options where alternative solutions might be more costly or difficult to deliver; this will include LAEP system benefits as well as localised CAPEX and OPEX costs.
GRN: NIA2_SGN0046
Period: 01/09/2024 to 31/05/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
This project aims to develop an integrated solution for the processes of characterising, settling, and billing gas in a multi-gas energy system ahead of the introduction of green gases such as hydrogen and unpropanated biomethane to help decarbonise the UKs gas grid.Beginning with market research, existing methodologies used in global networks with varying calorific values will be assessed. Using this information as a baseline, a tailored modelling solution will be created to meet UK industry requirements. Afterwards, a comprehensive feasibility study will identify the most optimal modelled solutions which will be consolidated into a new flexible settlement and billing approach. A roadmap will outline necessary implementation changes. Lastly, the requirements for a 12-month demonstration will be assessed to inform the programmes next phases.
GRN: NPG_NIA_051
Period: 01/11/2024 to 31/12/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
GRN: NGET/SCADENT/SIFWholeSystem/Rd
Period: 01/08/2022 to 01/02/2023
Funding Source: Ofgem
This project addresses two key aims set out in the SIF Innovation Challenge:*Improve coordination between networks and other system participants: theproject achieves this through innovative technology to enable future gridreinforcement needs for heat, power, and transport while reducing the carbonimpact of electricity system.*Reduce duplication and excessive variation of products, processes orservices: the project achieves this through evaluating the costs and opportunitiesof repurposing existing infrastructure and/or assets -- such as existing cableroutes, tunnels and substations, leading to lower costs for upgradinginfrastructure.The network innovation involved is the innovative deployment of HighTemperature Superconductor (HTS) cable technology to increase networkcapacity on the GB electricity network. Full achievement of the projects aims willrequire technology innovation to drive down cost, deployment innovation to reduceEngineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) risk, and operation andmaintenance (O&M) innovation to allow continued support of the novel cabletechnology. We build on international innovative experience drawn from a numberof HTS projects are in operation worldwide. We aim to extend the experience athigher voltages (only four projects are at voltages higher than 80kV) and withlonger lengths of cable (the longest AC installation is 1200m long).The project has evolved during the discovery phase as follows:*The partners have a shared understanding of the maturity of HTS technology, therequirements for future development and the needed cost and risk reductionsteps.*A plan to mature the technical and commercial viability of HTS technologythrough demonstration a realistic field test environment has been established.*The challenges of developing HTS systems for the GB grid are better understoodand the Alpha phase plan has been adjusted to deal with them, including testingand modelling and additional expertise to reinforce some experience gaps withinthe project team.*An outline cost and benefit model has been produced, identifying the areas forlargest potential cost reductions.The project has engaged a range of key partners with the knowledge andexpertise to deliver the project and implement outcomes. These partners are:1.Transmission and distribution network owners: (NGET, WPD, SPEN, UKPN)driving the requirements for the technology and identifying operating conditionsand future use cases.2.HTS Technology providers: Nexans and AMSC, experts in superconductingcable systems, technology expertise on current costs and technology readinesslevel (TRL).3.Academic partners: Universities of Manchester and Strathclyde research andexpertise in power system technologies, modelling and simulation of solution.4.Project Management & Benefits Assessment: Frazer-Nash Consultancy,programme management, technology lifecycle development, and cost/benefitanalyses.5.*Generation Licence Holder:*rsted generation licence holder supporting thisproject.The partners combine knowledge and capabilities and a strong interest inadvancing HTS technology. NGET, SPEN, WPD, UKPN can deploy the solutionon the respective networks,rsted can develop understanding of the potentialuses of HTS technology in generation contexts, Nexans and AMSC can designand produce innovative HTS solutions to suit GB grid requirements, TheUniversities of Strathclyde and Manchester can expand their research in thearea of superconductor technology and its impacts on the grid, and Frazer-Nashensure the capabilities of the supporting consultancy ecosystem.The proposed solution addresses the challenges held by its potential users: NGETand other network operators (TOs and DNOs). These users benefit from a widerrange of options to enable future grid reinforcement, including the replacement ofexisting assets reaching the end of life. Consumers benefit from faster progresstowards a net-zero electricity system, experience reduced disruption in upgradingnetwork assets and will be supplied by a more resilient and sustainable network.
GRN: NGET/SCOHL/SIFIESRR/Rd2_Discov
Period: 01/04/2023 to 01/07/2023
Funding Source: Ofgem
This project aims to assess the potential for implementing novel high-temperature superconductor (HTS) technology on National Grids overhead line (OHL) assets. Meeting Net Zero goals requires21.7 billion for 94 onshore network reinforcement projects by 2030, with additional build-out by 2050 (NOA 2021/22 Refresh). However, the required pace of network expansion is unprecedented and regulatory processes and public resistance can slow deployment, especially for new OHL routes which have high visual impact.Overhead superconducting technology could improve system robustness by increasing the power transfer capability of existing transmission corridors, reducing network constraints and allowing for significantly increased flexibility in our energy mix and ability to meet demand from all available generation sources. The ability to rebuild or add lines within existing corridors and transmit more power in smaller corridors shortens the time to construct and energize new transmission capacity. Expediting the upgrading and expansion of the network in this way offers greater certainty about connection timeframes and development costs and quickens our ability to cut carbon emissions through the ability to connect more renewable generation and limit its curtailment due to network constraints. The resulting guarantee of the unconstrained availability of generated power significantly increases network resilience and robustness.SCOHLs are currently at TRL 4 as the novel cryogenic cooling system with superconducting conductors have been operated as a raised overhead system in a lab environment and detailed simulation models of the system and its components have been verified. A SIF-funded project provides an opportunity to increase this TRL; in the discovery phase, an appropriate methodology for increasing the TRL will be developed through scanning for potential applications on NGETs assets, investigating technical limitations and financial benefits and identifying an adoption into BAU roadmap. The alpha and beta phases will subsequently progress towards to use of prototype demonstrators at live testing sites.Project partners:*National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) as a transmission network owner and transmission licensee with access to required testing facilities and OHL assets*VEIR as the developers of the cooling technology that will enable SCOHL rollout*University of Strathclyde as experts in power system analysisHTS-enabled SCOHLs could be used by TNOs and DNOs across GB and potentially beyond. This project will identify the specific benefits and abilities of SCOHLs, where they can be used successfully, and their operational limitations so that users can be guided on the optimal route for adoption into BAU.
GRN: NIA_WWU_2_71
Period: 01/12/2024 to 30/09/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
GRN: NIA_ENWL_040
Period: 01/11/2024 to 31/08/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
Until recently, voltage regulation technology was not mature for pole mounted distribution transformers meaning that customers connected to them could not take advantage of the benefits of Conservative Voltage Reduction (CVR) as proven on ground mounted transformers as part of the Second Tier project, Smart Street.Pole mounted voltage regulation technology has now matured and this project will conduct desktop analysis to determine whether the application of CVR is cost beneficial for overhead networks including an assessment of the available voltage regulation equipment. If benefits can be realised, Smart Street Rural will scope a testing methodology for a small-scale network trial to be carried out in a potential future project.
GRN: NIA2_NGET0069
Period: 01/09/2024 to 31/03/2026
Funding Source: Ofgem
National Grid (NG) manages many oil containing assets and oil storage is susceptible to leakages. The use of alternative insulating fluids in transformers has been studied by NG and synthetic esters are now considered where enhanced fire safety and a more environmentally friendly solution is required. NG currently uses Bund Water Control Units (BWCU) and oil separators to capture oil, both of which require maintenance and are less effective to ester and emulsified mixtures. However, the existing oil capturing techniques used for mineral oil are not 100% effective with newer alternatives. This project looks at alternative oil capturing and bioremediation techniques with or without existing oil interceptors, with respect to the potential environmental implications based on typical pollution scenarios at NG sites.
GRN: NIA2_NGET0085
Period: 01/03/2024 to 31/03/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
Track to Zero aims to assess the impact of 100% railway electrification on the transmission network across England and Wales, identifying existing and future congestion points. A key focus is exploring a novel battery storage solution to support railway electrification, potentially deferring or reducing the need for traditional railway feeder stations. By integrating energy storage, the project will evaluate grid flexibility, cost implications and network efficiency. A comparative cost analysis will be conducted, examining electrification costs before and after battery deployment. Findings will provide insights into grid constraints, cost savings and decarbonisation pathways, supporting efficient railway electrification while minimizing network stress. The learnings will inform all Network Licensees across GB as well as Network Rail on optimal investment strategies for a sustainable rail network.
GRN: NIA2_NGET0066
Period: 01/08/2024 to 31/05/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
The current energy transition will require the electrification of many energy demand sources, along with a corresponding increase in low-carbon electricity generation. Estimates indicate that by 2030 the UK needs to build 5x as much new electricity transmission infrastructure as has been built in the past 30 years. High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) technology is not currently being used in HV networks across the UK. This project will seek to evaluate the feasibility of HTS technology by defining short-term and long-term use cases for overhead line (OHL) and cable systems as well as delivering a detailed plan for route to business as usual for HTS deployment.
GRN: NIA2_NGET0080
Period: 01/12/2024 to 31/03/2026
Funding Source: Ofgem
VICAP 3 bar by bar will build on the success of VICAP 2. In VICAP 2, a refined artificial intelligence (AI) model was able to assess images of steel tower and automatically grade the level of corrosion of the steelwork. As part of the asset management practice, climbing surveys are carried out to getbar by bar (BB) assessments of corrosion on steelwork towers and to measure the extent of wear on fittings amongst other things. The aim of VICAP 3 is to develop algorithms and data collection methods which enable BB assessments and fittings wear measurements to be done using drone collected images. The expected benefits will be in assessment cost reduction and efficiencies.
02/04/2025
30 new projects added
GRN: NIA_UKPN0103
Period: 01/11/2024 to 30/11/2026
Funding Source: Ofgem
UK Power Networks is working to deliver support at scale to vulnerable consumers at risk of being left behind by the energy system transition. This project will develop a new digital tool that aims to utilise cutting edge technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence to enable tailored support to be effectively delivered to vulnerable consumers at scale. By working closely with current service delivery partners, the aim is to build a tool that supports existing services while also providing new options for consumers that would prefer to self-serve using digital channels.
GRN: ENA_10145998
Period: 01/02/2025 to 01/02/2027
Funding Source: Ofgem
As DNOs develop their distribution system operator functions, the current annualprocess used to forecast load at extra-high-voltage/high-voltage needs to becomeincreasingly granular, at the monthly, weekly, daily and hourly level, to supportflexibility dispatch and defer or avoid reinforcement. Moreover, the increasingprevalence of low-voltage monitoring data enables new use cases to supportnetwork planning and the extension of flexibility markets at ED3. The ArtificialForecasting project addresses these unmet needs by building innovative AIsolutions to expand load forecasting capability at primary (EHV-HV) andsecondary (HV-LV) substations, optimising flexibility procurement and enablingDSO functions across the sector.
GRN: NIA2_NGET0056
Period: 01/03/2025 to 30/09/2026
Funding Source: Ofgem
This project aims to develop an advanced Dynamic System Rating (DSR) solution that maximises the use of the existing transmission network, allowing circuits to operate closer to their true capacity without compromising system stability. The proposed DSR solution integrates with regional autonomous control to alleviate network congestion and enhance power transfer capability. Once validated in a laboratory environment, the system will be prepared for hardware deployment. This technology will reduce the need for extensive network reinforcement, providing cost savings to consumers and facilitating the efficient integration of renewables. Ultimately, it will enhance grid controllability and flexibility, supporting the transition to a Net Zero-carbon energy system.
GRN: NIA_UKPN0102
Period: 01/09/2024 to 28/02/2026
Funding Source: Ofgem
Blue Light aims to allow DNOs to enable the decarbonisation of the emergency services in a more efficient and collaborative way. The project intends to streamline the connections process and enhance visibility of connection requirements for emergency services and the DNO, and support network planning and reinforcement. The project will involve research and engagement with emergency services followed by the design and development of a solution. This self-serve solution will allow them to input electrification plans and offer information, including headroom against connection capacity now and over time, and provide optimisation options to reduce costs and ensure resilience. This will provide the DNO with a solution to help emergency services decarbonise efficiently and foster collaboration with stakeholders who have not been traditional customers of connections.
GRN: NIA_NIA_037
Period: 01/11/2024 to 30/06/2026
Funding Source: Ofgem
DeltaDetect aim is to leverage the capability of existing LV monitoring devices at secondary substations and extend their functionality to monitor HV underground networks. To do this, existing LV monitoring will be adapted, and an innovative algorithm will be developed to reverse engineer signals from LV side of the transformer onto the HV network. By monitoring critical parameters, the system aims to identify abnormal conditions indicative of faults, such as insulation breakdown or equipment malfunction allowing for faults to be proactively detected, located, and repaired reducing downtime and leading to improved reliability and customer satisfaction.
GRN: NPG_NIA_ 49
Period: 01/09/2024 to 31/10/2024
Funding Source: Ofgem
Following a major gas outage incident in the Stannington area of Sheffield, Northern Powergrid gained permission from DESNZ to collect disaggregated consumption data from smart meters located in this area. This proposal is to undertake a data modelling exercise to compare the disaggregated and aggregated consumption data, ElectraLink data, registers of embedded generation and known locations of electric vehicles to train machine learning models and prediction algorithms.The analysis will cover 14 months of consumption data collected for 1500 smart meters within the Stannington suburb of Sheffield with a time period from November 2022 to the end December 2023. The proposal will look at identifying LCTs on disaggregated smart meter data and use that to investigate the possibility of identifying LCTs on aggregated data.
GRN: NIA2_NGET0071
Period: 01/08/2024 to 31/08/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
National Grid (NG) has commitments to NGET Environmental Action Plan to reduce emissions and uses carbon interface tool (CIT) for embodied carbon calculation. NG needs to move to Whole life carbon assessments to align to best practice and PAS2080. Being an Excel-based, CIT is prone to human errors, and it is challenging to update over long-term projects. This project aims to develop the UKs 1st Transmissions whole life carbon digital (DgWLCA) tool allowing NG to measure and manage carbon reduction towards our targets. Digital tool will retain use of existing databases and will be updated annually. We selected an existing Mott McDonald developed tool as a baseline and intend to do bespoke innovative modifications like AI low carbon optimization and intuitive energy-specific onboarding.
GRN: NIA2_NGET0078
Period: 01/01/2025 to 30/04/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
n alignment with National Grid Electricity Transmissions (NGETs) objectives of achieving net-zero construction, we aim to evaluate the suitability of polymer concretes as a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete for NGETs construction operations, appraise their readiness for construction trials, and support NGET in undertaking some of the required trials to demonstrate these materials suitability. Earth Friendly Concrete (EFC) has been utilised on the LPT2 (London Power Tunnels 2) project in several areas, but mainly for bulk fill or in temporary works. To further this concrete technology and use EFC more extensively, HMJV in conjunction with its Supply Chain Partners will conduct trials to establish the potential for use in Precast Segmental Lining Elements for the benefit of future projects as part of the LPT legacy.
GRN: NIA2_NGET0075
Period: 01/01/2025 to 30/06/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
The expanding and interconnected electricity network poses challenges for National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) in monitoring and assessing network resilience. Currently, tracking resilience involves multiple metrics on separate Power BI pages, making it difficult to view overall resilience and hindering timely decision-making during storms or major events. This fragmented approach can lead to suboptimal maintenance and repair decisions. To address these challenges, the proposed project aims to incorporates probabilistic risk analysis to further improve resilience assessments, enhance decision-making accuracy using risk scores, and identify weak areas in the network. Additionally, simplify monitoring through a holistic map view. Ultimately, the project seeks to improve network resilience by streamlining risk identification and establishing minimum resilience levels for substations. FRAME II will be the full product release following the Minimum Viable Project phase in FRAME I.
GRN: NIA2_SGN0069
Period: 01/08/2024 to 30/09/2024
Funding Source: Ofgem
The project will build on initial work carried by SGN that looks at the future priorities for innovation across scenarios and themes related to the energy transition. Whilst FES looks at likely consumption etc. it doesnt specifically look at where innovation should be prioritised to enable the transition from a whole-systems perspective and does not specifically look at the roll a gas network could play in these future scenarios.
GRN: NIA2_SGN0067
Period: 01/10/2024 to 31/01/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
The project aims to facilitate energy system transition through the development and demonstration (develop new learning, design and fabricate) a prototype nitrogen purging trailer (rig) and trainable work instructions allowing for indirect purging operations for use with 100% hydrogen, specifically for the H100 Fife Hydrogen Gas Distribution Network. Current Industry standards recommend indirect purging of gas systems for a range of situations to avoid the potential for a temporary flammable atmosphere to develop within pipework. Whilst there are ongoing projects to provide further evidence for direct purging in a 100% Hydrogen Network, there is no guarantee that key stakeholders will sign off direct purging evidence for our H100 Distribution operations. As a result of this SGN needs to ensure H100 Distribution Network system readiness with a deployable solution for indirect purging before the go-live date.
GRN: NIA2_SGN0066
Period: 01/06/2024 to 31/10/2024
Funding Source: Ofgem
This project aims to conduct a quantitative risk assessment (QRA) to identify, quantify, and mitigate risks associated with direct and indirect purging operations from 32mm to 250mm diameter Polyethylene (PE) pipelines on the H100 Fife Neighbourhood Distribution Network. Current industry practice recommends indirect purging of Hydrogen gas systems in various situations to prevent the potential development of a temporary flammable atmosphere within the pipework. However, indirect purging is a non-routine operation (NRO) for most Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs). Indirect purging carries risks such as nitrogen sourcing and transportation challenges, delivery competencies, over-pressurization, and asphyxiation, which are not present during direct purging. Therefore, it is essential to understand the overall difference in risk between direct and indirect purging for hydrogen systems.
GRN: NIA2_NGET0065
Period: 01/07/2024 to 31/01/2026
Funding Source: Ofgem
To ensure energy systems of the future continue to be resilient to evolving threats, it is important we develop increasingly secure control systems. Working with vendors, the goal is to innovate and develop efficient, deliverable, and secure protection and control systems capable of mitigating advanced cyber threats using secure by design practices. Lessons learned from this innovation project will enable National Grid to make decisions on the proportionality and appropriateness of security controls for both new and existing sites. This must be achieved while still maintaining the current user experience and meeting control/protection functionality specifications, all in a system designed to match the lifecycle of current systems of approximately 20 years.
GRN: NIA_CAD0102
Period: 01/10/2024 to 31/10/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
Following the successful completion of Phase 1 in 2023, the gas networks have engaged with KPMG to design the market frameworks modifications necessary to facilitate hydrogen blending, and to develop a full operational implementation plan.Running from mid-2024 for a period of twelve-months, the Phase 2A project will define how ahydrogen blend-ready network will operate, and prepare a full set of detailed, implementation plans. Key decisions are required across the full range of market frameworks, as well as a clear view of the operational impacts from the ongoing safety assessment between HyDeploy and the HSE.Mobilisation will begin in Summer 2024, whilst the main design stage will run for 8 months from September to April 2025, with project completion planned for June 2025.
GRN: NIA2_SGN0070
Period: 01/09/2024 to 31/03/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
The Internal Sharp Defect Burst Testing in Hydrogen project will build upon the pipeline defect burst pressure testing programme completed as part of the SGN LTS Futures project. Additional burst testing will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effect of hydrogen gas on internal sharp pipeline defects. These tests will evaluate the vessel conditioning regime and test defects of different dimensions by examining the effect of preheating, repeatability of results and overpressure at the point of defect failure.
GRN: NIA2_NGET0067
Period: 01/07/2024 to 31/01/2026
Funding Source: Ofgem
NGET are collaborating with leading innovators to assess how future sea level rise, increased coastal storm activity and salt marsh encroachment will affect the vulnerability of NGET assets. By bringing together expertise in flood and erosion monitoring and forecasting, the project will establish where or what assets are at risk and how or when action is likely to be required, informing risk mitigation approaches and strategies. This major advancement will be achieved through the combination of market-leading sensors, and state-of-the-art asset-scale numerical coastal flooding and erosion models to deliver actionable insights to NGETs existing geographic information system (GIS) and other applicable platforms. The project will assess climate change future risk, inform damage costs estimation, and related cost-benefit analysis of potential mitigation measures and strategies.?
GRN: NIA_UKPN0105
Period: 01/01/2025 to 31/12/2027
Funding Source: Ofgem
The UK telephone network will soon shift away from copper cabling to a fibre optic based network, reliant on electricity supply. This means that during a network outage, vulnerable customers would be unable to call for help.This project will develop an existing Smart-UPS to deliver and facilitate health-related services to customers in vulnerable situations by enabling multi-day Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) power for phones in the case of prolonged power loss.A satellite phone will also be developed for remote communities to provide connectivity to the DNO in case of a complete loss of communication in an area. This will provide the option to support individual PSR customers or communities as appropriate to their needs in the event of an outage.
GRN: NIA_ENWL_039
Period: 01/02/2025 to 31/08/2026
Funding Source: Ofgem
The energy system transition will have the greatest impact on LV demand and capacity due to the mass adoption of LCTs. Understanding this impact on demand, available capacity and investment required requires granular long term forecasting for LV feeders.LV Futures will analyse data from recently deployed LV monitoring and smart meters along with trends on LCT uptake to produce power flow and feeder load allocation for LV feeders. The outputs of this analysis will provide relevant information to inform interventions such as reinforcement or flexible services requirements.
GRN: NIA_ENWL_036
Period: 01/05/2024 to 31/12/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
As we transition to net zero, the level and volatility of demands across the network will increase, with the greatest impact expected on the LV network particularly, underground cables. Without intervention, this increase in demand will increase the degradation rate of LV cables, causing higher failure rates.LV Predict researched physical models for determining the temperature within LV cables, the stress cycles and physical damage cables sustained and constructed statistical modelling methods to predict this damage using commonly held LV data. LV Predict II will build on this work and will refine and extend the probabilistic framework by improving the skill and reliability of the model, expanding the model to other network assets, and applying the model in decision making.
GRN: NIA_CAD0106
Period: 01/07/2024 to 30/04/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
GDNs currently have a licence condition to provide fan heaters & hot plates to customers in vulnerable situations during a gas outage to stay warm, heat water & food. However, some customers will not be able transfer the hot water to a bowl or sink to be able to wash or clean with.Haydales graphene ink-based heaters offer a potential low power usage solution to heat water in domestic premises when the gas supply is interrupted and can be easily adapted into different designs to deliver bespoke solutions for a wide range of customer requirements, so is of interest to Cadent and their challenge of providing hot water to their customers in vulnerable situations when their gas supply is interrupted.Following on from Phase 1 of the project (NIA_CAD_0077) Haydale will develop the prototypes created and take the project through to optimisation in electronics, weight, and customer experience.
GRN: NIA_CAD0110
Period: 01/11/2024 to 31/07/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
Power outages are a regular occurrence in Great Britian with average annual customer minutes lost in Great Britain range between 31.57 minutes 51.4 minutes depending on the Distribution Network Operator License Area (Statista, 2021). This is of course not evenly distributed with outages varying from a few minutes up to more than a week in more extreme circumstances. Similarly, single outages can affect a single property or several thousand properties depending on the cause.This project will aim to develop a low-cost, user-friendly solution, whereby customers in vulnerable situations will still be able to use their gas heated boiler, as well as LPG and oil heated boilers, in the event of a power outage.
GRN: NIA_CAD0109
Period: 01/11/2024 to 31/03/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
This project will produce a Safety Assessment report to cover a non-distributed gas Great Britain energy system and usage scenario. This work builds on previous work as part of the GB QRA project (NIA_CAD0096) where the risk across Great Britain was quantified for hydrogen distribution and utilisation in the network, in houses, flats, and non-domestic buildings. The previously modelled scenarios included the application, or increase in application, of gas alternative solutions for cooking and heating. These could be electrical and other hydrocarbon fuel appliances. This project seeks to identify and qualify any risks introduced as a result of these gas alternative solutions on a national and individual scale.
GRN: NIA_WWU_02_25
Period: 01/09/2024 to 28/02/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
A variety of work has been undertaken to date to understand the readiness of I&C customers, but little work has been done to understand the strategic impact which this may have on how the gas networks should plan for the delivery of hydrogen (including a hydrogen blend) to domestic customers whilst maintaining sufficient network resilience for I&C users.We therefore need to be able to undertake network planning for the delivery of hydrogen to domestic customers, whilst considering site sensitivity and any behind the meter investment required by I&C customers to ensure hydrogen readiness.This project will inform network planning for the delivery of hydrogen to domestic customers, whilst considering site sensitivity and any behind the meter investment required by I&C customers to ensure hydrogen readiness.
GRN: NIA_CAD0107
Period: 01/07/2024 to 31/10/2024
Funding Source: Ofgem
To create the first, GT led, strategic roadmap for a1 stop shop that brings future energy, including hydrogen awareness and education into schools, colleges, universities, and other education providers and will define a simple, clear, creative communication of the offerings and attract engagement from stakeholders.a. respond to requests from schools and colleges on hydrogen and green energy,b. Demonstrates the roles of future gaseous fuels in achieving net zeroc.Compliments other green energy education initiativesWe believe this roadmap is the most cost effective way to develop a consistent and accessible approach in a way that will increase engagement with these fuels, attract people into net zero economy, and grow advocacy for green gaseous fuels.
GRN: NPG_NIA_052
Period: 01/09/2024 to 30/06/2026
Funding Source: Ofgem
This collaborative project will look to directly address the desire to support customers in vulnerable situations by supporting and improving warm space infrastructure within the Yorkshire and North East regions of England. These regions have been selected based upon the geographical coverage of the associated Network Partnerships licence areas.
GRN: NIA2_NGET0076
Period: 01/11/2024 to 31/05/2027
Funding Source: Ofgem
This project aims to enhance cable circuit ampacity by investigating the potential of thermosyphon systems for improved heat transfer. Through a literature review, suitable thermosyphon working fluids and thermal modelling methodologies will be identified. An experimental apparatus will be designed to assess heat transfer in cable systems using thermosyphons, and simulations will validate the design. The project will also examine the impact of thermal aging on thermosyphon fluids and compare measured values with datasheet information. Recommendations will be provided to National Grid, including practical considerations and potential challenges for thermosyphon system installation.
GRN: NIA_WWU_02_35
Period: 01/09/2024 to 30/04/2025
Funding Source: Ofgem
To maintain continuous operation, data centres need a dependable, uninterrupted flow of electricity to power servers, supporting equipment and to provide cooling. At present this electricity is primarily sourced from the local electrical grid with data centre operators using diverse energy sources such as diesel generators to provide backup power. Several data centres are considering onsite power generation using natural gas or hydrogen in an effort to ensure electricity supply and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
GRN: NIA2_NGET0077
Period: 01/01/2025 to 31/01/2027
Funding Source: Ofgem
Although substantial studies have been performed on overhead line and cable, there is far fewer studies on the potential risk posed to interfaces within cable joints for high voltage (HV) cable systems.There are significant cost and time associated with any cable repair, with the situation likely to worsen with an increasing number of cable installations and an ageing fleet of cable assets. The availability of aUniversal Joint would enable a package to be made available for a speedy cable repair solution that can promptly re-establish service in the event of a cable fault, this emergency return to service solution would greatly improve resilience of a fast-changing electricity infrastructure.
