Ambitious plans to accelerate transformational change in the UK energy innovation sector are gathering pace following the publication of an action plan earlier this year.
These plans include the development of a centralised, streamlined platform for innovators providing support, resources, guidance and more, standardising quality feedback across the industry, as well as a fast innovation triage process to better identify support opportunities.
The Industry Innovator Action Plan, launched in April by the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) and developed in collaboration with innovators, energy networks and industry organisations sets out to accelerate innovation in the UK energy sector by cutting red tape, improving access to funding and uniting industry efforts.
It sets out 12 clear actions to:
- Create a more effective innovator support ecosystem
- Streamline innovation processes
- Accelerate deployment
- Enhance the overall experience of innovators in the industry.
All 12 actions can be viewed here.
The plan was developed following the EIC’s 2024 survey of innovators, which received over 200 responses and more than 1700 comments and pieces of feedback.
Since launch, work has been underway between the EIC and partner energy networks to deliver these actions.
One of these actions identified the development of a fast triage system, aiming to ensure innovators receive timely, consistent support across the industry. This work (being led by National Grid), has led to the creation of a framework that will be refined through engagement with industry and innovators.
Another action identified the standardisation of quality feedback for innovators as a priority, with progress being led by Northern Gas Networks. Guidance on best practice is being finalised and delivery of the action will include an AI tool, designed to assess the quality of feedback and recommend improvements.
To support the delivery of the actions, focus groups involving around 50 innovators are set to be formed to validate the outputs created by the network leads to ensure they are fit for purpose.
Matthieu Michel, Operations Director at the Energy Innovation Centre said: “Since the launch of the Industry Innovator Action Plan this past April, good progress has been made with our network partners… but there’s more to do.
“Delivery workshops have been held with all stakeholders and plans are being formed to meet the details of our 12 identified key actions. The progress seen in the development of the fast triage system and enhanced feedback guidance sets an encouraging precedent; we look forward to sharing more news soon.
“It’s clear that with a continued clear focus and united effort, our aims of accelerating progress and delivering transformational change to meet the UK energy sector’s evolving needs are possible.”
Kat Lennox, Managing Director at Rawwater Applied Technology said: “It’s great to see the networks actively responding to the feedback provided by innovators. The progress being made shows a real commitment to improving collaboration and creating a clearer, more consistent route for new solutions to reach the market.”
Gary Stokedale, Net Zero Innovation Manager at National Grid said: “Accelerating the route from idea to implementation requires consistency, speed, and clarity for innovators. The Fast Triage Process is designed to deliver exactly that ensuring every innovator, regardless of their size or experience, is connected to the right support within three working days. NGET is proud to support this step toward a more efficient, joined-up industry innovation ecosystem”
If you’re interested in being involved as part of the innovator focus group, please contact Angus Dent.
The EIC works in partnership with:
- SP Energy Networks
- Northern Powergrid
- Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks
- UK Power Networks
- Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks – Transmission
- National Grid – Electricity Transmission
- Northern Gas Networks
- Gas Networks Ireland.
