Reaching net zero isn’t just about driving electric cars or switching to heat pumps, it’s about transforming the very foundation of how we power our lives.
Behind every new innovation is an energy system that needs to keep up – and right now, that system is under pressure.
Through collaboration, the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) helps drive the energy industry towards a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient future.
The Net Zero Shift: From Gas to Grid
Historically, the UK’s homes have relied on gas to heat spaces and cook food with electricity mainly powering lights and appliances. However as we shift to electric heating and transport, that balance is changing.
This transition means electricity networks (especially at the local level) must do more than they were originally designed to handle.
Suburban housing estates built in the 1970s weren’t wired for EV chargers, induction hobs, and heat pumps running simultaneously.
The Grid’s Growing Challenges
- Higher Demand: As homes electrify, the demand on local electricity networks increases significantly
- Infrastructure Gaps: Many existing systems are outdated, creating bottlenecks for new technologies
- Need for Innovation: Solving these challenges requires new thinking, new tools and new partnerships.
This is where innovators come in.
What the Grid Needs for a Net Zero Future
To unlock a net zero future, three things must evolve:
- Smarter Planning: Networks need better forecasting tools and real-time data to anticipate where capacity is needed. That means more digitalisation and greater visibility across the grid
- Flexible Infrastructure: Instead of reinforcing the grid in a linear, expensive way, we need flexible services where homes, EVs and batteries can help balance the system locally
- Collaborative Innovation: Innovators must be empowered to trial, test and scale their ideas within energy networks. That’s where the EIC comes in; facilitating partnerships between innovators and energy companies.
How the Energy Innovation Centre Supports Grid Innovation
At the EIC, we support innovators who want to tackle these issues head-on. From smarter grid management tools to more efficient connection methods, we connect our members with the right people in the industry to test, trial, and scale their solutions.
Our platform is open to anyone with an idea that could help the energy system meet the demands of a net zero future.
Get Involved: Help Build the Future Energy System
Net zero isn’t just a government target, it’s an opportunity for collaboration, creativity and change. Whether you’re developing technology that reduces emissions or helps manage electricity demand more efficiently, we want to hear from you.
