Welcome to ESO 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. Learn more about our Innovation Strategy.

Key documents

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Innovation Strategy 2021

Our strategy for the future energy system, and for shaping mega-trends. This addresses: changing supply and demand patterns, new players and new markets, and challenges to how the grid is operated in future.

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Network Innovation Allowance (NIA)

Learn about Network Innovation Allowance from Ofgem’s NIA governance document.

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Innovation Annual Summary

Our Innovation Annual Summaries provide a progress update on all the ESO innovation projects completed or underway in the last year.

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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.

Partner with us

News

ESO : Future of energy
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Why the power of digital is key to energy innovation

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

ESO : Future of energy
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How our innovation work is helping Britain reach net zero

National Grid ESO's cutting edge work with industry is playing its part in the clean energy transition.

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Tackling future energy challenges through innovation

As we publish our latest innovation annual summary, our head of innovation strategy and digital transformation, Carolina Tortora, reflects on some of the projects that are helping us – and industry – achieve net zero.