Innovation is critical to helping us meet the challenges of transitioning to a zero carbon future. As we sit at the very heart of the energy system, we play a central role in overcoming these challenges.

What we do at ESO Innovation

We work with innovation partners to solve problems arising from the energy system transition and to maximise benefits for the GB System and the end consumer. We run innovation events to explore new ideas, develop innovation projects, and share the outcomes of our innovation activities. 

How we work

We co-create and deliver innovation projects with academic and industry partners across sectors. These will help us to operate the electricity transmission system more effectively in the future.

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Innovation projects

We are on track to fully decarbonise the system by 2035. To help us achieve this, we have a portfolio of active innovation projects funded by both the Network Innovation Allowance (NIA)Network Innovation Competition (NIC) and Ofgem’s new Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF).

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Open call for Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) Discovery Round 3

Are you an innovator and want to collaborate with us? If so, we’re inviting you to respond to our open call to collaborate with us on developing Discovery project proposals for Round 3 of the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF)

News

Blog feature: Innovating and implementing a zero-carbon energy future

- 4 minute read

Securing a low-carbon energy future and accelerating the route to net zero remains one of the biggest challenges and priorities for the ESO and energy industry right now. While this is driving an increase in innovation investment, particularly across areas such as digital transformation and domestic flexibility, the UK target to decarbonise the electricity system by 2035 is fast-approaching.

Future energy
Wind powerplant and technology

The future of the ESO and Artificial Intelligence

- 2 minute read

In celebration of the release of our refreshed ESO Innovation Strategy, we’re highlighting one of our Innovation funded projects, the Energy AI (Artificial Intelligence) Centre of Excellence.

Innovation

Why the power of digital is key to energy innovation

- 3 minute read

We've published our innovation strategy for 2021/22 - find out how it'll help us achieve our zero carbon ambition.

Future energy