Innovation

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.

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).

Distributed ReStart

Here you can find out about the Distributed ReStart project. Learn about the project’s benefits, its partners, and the workstreams that delivered its outputs.

Virtual Energy System

In 2021 ESO launched an ambitious, industry-wide mission to digitise our energy system. We call it the Virtual Energy System.

Crowdflex

CrowdFlex explores how domestic flexibility can be used in grid operations while empowering consumers to be active players in reducing their energy bills via new tariffs and incentives.

Innovation Annual Summary

In the 12 months from April 2023 to March 2024, we have launched the highest number of innovation projects in any year to date. Our Innovation Annual Summary highlights some of these ground-breaking projects and our collaboration activities over the last year.

Innovation events and publications

The innovation team organises and participates in events throughout the year to create a space for idea creation, collaborative project development, and to share outcomes from our innovat

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Innovation strategy

Our Innovation Strategy is developed using feedback from across industry and ESO subject matter experts. It sets out how we need to innovate in 2024-25 and where to focus our efforts to drive the decarbonisation agenda for Great Britain.

Get involved with ESO innovation

Work with innovation partners to adapt to a changing energy system. Our strategy provides opportunities for innovation that we want to build upon in partnership with you.