The Energy Networks Association has issued a call for ideas for the upcoming Network Innovation Competition.
Up to £90 million of funding will be up for grabs – £70 million for electricity network projects and £20 million for gas network projects. Cross-sector schemes can potentially access funding from both pots.
The annual competition run by Ofgem will allow network operators and their partners to compete for funding for the development and demonstration of new technologies that will help create a cleaner, smart and more flexible energy system.
Projects must provide a clear cost benefit and show genuine innovation. They must align with the priorities set out in the networks’ innovation strategies or address cross-sector issues such as whole-system planning.
David Smith, chief executive of the ENA, said: “We need to be relentless in our focus on innovation to deliver net zero and reap the benefits that it can provide.
“Private enterprise is key to delivering network innovation which is vital to help keep energy bills down for the public, while delivering a smarter, cleaner and more flexible energy system that serves the country.
“This is an exciting chance for innovators to deliver projects that will make a real difference to the way networks operate in communities up and down the country. We want to hear from the widest range of energy innovators as possible to help deliver that.”
The call for ideas will open on 16 September and close on 8 November.
You can read about the winners of last year’s Network Innovation Competition here.