Background
National Grid is an energy company operating in the UK and US. We deliver electricity safely, reliably, and efficiently to the customers and communities we serve – all while working towards a clean energy future.
Our business areas play a vital role in connecting millions of people to the energy they use, while continually seeking ways to make the energy system cleaner. National Grid is always seeking innovative solutions to help revolutionise and decarbonise the future of energy.
National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) is responsible for owning and maintaining the high voltage electricity network in England and Wales.
We take electricity generated from windfarms and other power sources and transport it through our network of pylons, overhead lines, cables, and substations. It then goes on to separate lower voltage local distribution networks, which connect directly to homes and businesses. Every time a phone is plugged in, or a switch is turned on, we’ve played a part, connecting you to the electricity you need.
Challenge
To meet the UK’s net zero and energy security ambitions, National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) need to build significantly more electricity transmission infrastructure and maximise the capacity of our existing infrastructure – and do so at unprecedented pace and scale. They face complex barriers ranging from planning and consenting delays, to supply chain constraints, skills shortages, and traditional construction methods that can be slow or costly.
NGET are seeking innovative solutions to drive the energy transition towards net zero. These solutions must deliver efficient network reinforcement, whilst maximising the positive benefits for the environment, communities, and individual consumers. They require a novel innovative solution that builds the future network in an easy and comprehensive way.
National Grid are asking solution providers to answer the following questions.
- How can we reduce constraint costs on our network without requiring system access?
- How can we increase the power carrying capacity of our existing and new build OHL routes?
They are seeking bold, practical and scalable innovations that will help us fundamentally change the way we deliver transmission infrastructure. This could include:
- New technologies
- Digital tools
- Modular or standardised approaches
- Novel construction techniques
- Fresh thinking around logistics and delivery models
If your idea can help us build faster, reduce costs, improve sustainability or reduce community disruption, NGET want to hear from you.
National Grid ask that all applications include supporting documents.
For more guidance, please refer to National Grid's public strategy: www.nationalgrid.com/electricity-transmission/innovation
What's in it for you?
A successful collaboration could mean, for individuals, becoming part of the wider National Grid group, while for organisations, forming a potential partnership with one of the world’s most iconic brands to co-develop and co-launch the idea to market.
These are global challenges and National Grid are willing to collaborate with both individuals/freelancers and other industry participants/universities etc. and solutions can be at any stage of development.
If you have or are developing solutions, or if you have expertise in the above, please click "Apply" to submit your solution/expertise to the Network.