2016 Network Innovation Competitions

Ofgem selected projects that will be funded through the 2016 Electricity and Gas Network Innovation Competitions (NICs). 

Ofgem runs innovation competitions to fund projects that encourage new approaches that will help make the energy network smarter. The Network Innovation Competitions for electricity and gas help develop crucial knowledge and expertise to share across the industry. This year Ofgem will provide £44.6 million of funding for six projects which, when combined with the companies’ contributions and external funding, will see a total of £53.9 million being invested in innovation.

The NIC is open to applications from GB distribution and transmission networks, including independent network companies, offshore transmission owners, and the national system operator. Network companies submit and deliver projects in partnership with the wider energy industry, such as energy suppliers, universities or technology providers.
 

Projects that will be funded under the 2016 Electricity Network Innovation Competition:

Phoenix – Scottish Power Transmission (SPT): Funding Awarded £15.6 million (without condition), other funding £4.0 million

TDI 2.0 – National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET): Funding Awarded £8.0 million (without condition), other funding £1.5 million

OpenLV - Western Power Distribution (WPD): Funding Awarded £4.9 million (subject to additional conditions), other funding £1.0 million

PowerFuL-CB - UK Power Networks (UKPN):  Funding Awarded £4.6 million (subject to additional condition), other funding £1.5 million

HyDeploy – National Grid Gas Distribution: NIC Funding £6.8 million, other funding £0.8 million

Future Billing Methodology – National Grid Gas Distribution: NIC Funding £4.8 million (subject to an additional condition), other funding £0.5 million