Overhead Line Bird Resting Deterrent
UK Power Networks and Arribada Initiative CIC are developing and trialling new bird resting deterrents for overhead aerial bunched cables and lines up to 55mm in diameter. The project will design and field test mechanical deterrent concepts to provide a durable, weather resistant and easy to install alternative to cable ties, reducing customer complaints. Challenge […]
Rejuvenation of Underground Cables
The University of Manchester (UoM), SP Energy Networks and the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) are launching an 18-month project to explore whether underground electricity cables affected by water treeing can be rejuvenated rather than replaced. The project will combine research, modelling, laboratory testing and cost analysis to assess the potential benefits for reliability, cost and […]
SAFEGRID: Strategic Assessment for Flood Events Across the Grid
Northern Powergrid (NPg) and UDlive are working together on SAFEGRID, an 18-month project to modernise how flood risk is assessed and managed across substations. Using new climate data, a quantified risk matrix and targeted flood monitoring, the project aims to move away from carbon-intensive physical defences towards a dynamic, data-driven approach that improves resilience for […]
Volt Watch: Domestic Voltage Monitoring
Volt Watch is a 12-month project led by Techdotrom with support from the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) and funded by UK Power Networks (UKPN). It will develop a portable, low-cost domestic voltage monitor that provides near real-time visibility of low-voltage conditions. The aim is faster, less labour-intensive investigation of voltage complaints which will enable evidence […]
Improved Role-Based Access Control for Intelligent Electronic Devices
Summary Arceptive will develop a role-based access control system for intelligent electronic devices (IED) in National Grid’s electricity substations, integrating near-field communication (NFC), biometrics and legacy compatibility. The project will enhance security, operational reliability and compliance, reduce unauthorised access and service disruption risks, and improve efficiency. The solution is interoperable, future-proof and cost-effective, delivering tangible […]
Power Wheels: Electric Vehicles Supporting Vulnerable People
Statistics show that households of people with disabilities and caring responsibilities often face high energy costs. The NIA-funded Power Wheels project explores how electric vehicles (EVs), (especially those used by disabled people through the Motability scheme) could store and share electricity through vehicle to home (V2H) or vehicle to grid (V2G). By leveraging up to […]
Internet of Things (IoT) Sensors for Low-Hanging Conductors
When a line support fails, conductors can hang energised at dangerous heights, risking public and livestock safety. This 12‑month, £98,000 project will advance from TRL 2 to TRL 6, producing prototypes and a design basis for mass manufacture (£25 per device) to enable UK Power Networks (UKPN) to detect low‑hanging conductors and respond swiftly. The Challenge Electricity […]
Supply Chain Impact on Nature & Biodiversity
Electricity networks must reduce their environmental impact by understanding current and future supply chain footprints. Following COP15 and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, businesses are required to disclose biodiversity risks. Accenture, a leading sustainability consultancy, is creating a bespoke, data-driven solution for the transmission sector to map supply chains and identify nature-related risks and opportunities. […]