We are supporting our partners SSEN Transmission as part of the 2026 Energy Innovation Basecamp.
Innovative people and businesses are invited by the Energy Networks Association (ENA) to propose ideas and solutions to solve problems suggested by Britain’s electricity and gas networks.
If you would like our support in submitting your application, please contact us.
Please note the deadline for this opportunity is 13 March 2026.
What’s the Problem?
Optimisation of system design and operation of remote islands in the face of climate threats is an area that needs careful attention. Operating parts of the electricity networks as remote islands with significant renewable penetration presents unique challenges in balancing supply and demand, maintaining system stability, and ensuring reliability. However, if these challenges can be overcome, the option of island or microgrid operation could unlock greater resilience for remote areas of the network. Given the current restrictions on island operations, there is a real opportunity for innovation on this topic, using islands with significant renewables as a testbed for potential wider rollout.
What’s Required?
We are seeking solutions that enable detailed modelling of various grid reinforcement scenarios aimed at improving island grid resilience and supporting islanded operation. These solutions should incorporate innovative grid control and management mechanisms and compare alternative reinforcement approaches against standard transmission reinforcement options. The comparison should include cost implications and assess compliance with relevant grid legislation and regulatory requirements.
What are the Constraints?
Ideally the solution utilises software that is familiar to the Transmission Owners and is interoperable with other network power modelling packages. The solution should be compliant with grid legislation requirements.
Who are the Key Players?
The key stakeholders are the Transmission Owners, Distribution Network Operators, the NESO, and renewables developers with the main users being the network owners and operators responsible for grid compliance and management. Beneficiaries would include local communities, the regulator and wider energy system. The innovators would be expected to have expertise in grid stability modelling and be able to investigate island/microgrid operation and its impact on stability.
Does the Problem Build on Existing or Previous Projects?
This aligns with UK decarbonisation target and previous innovation project focused on modelling system flexibility and design particularly at a transmission level.