At Enertechnos, we are always striving to drive innovation in grid infrastructure, ensuring that the UK’s energy transition is both effective and efficient. Our CEO, Dominic Quennell, recently participated in a roundtable discussion with Minister Michael Shanks, alongside key stakeholders from government, industry and regulatory bodies. The meeting focused on the future of grid innovation and the role of technology in achieving the Government’s ambitious 2030 Clean Power and 2050 net zero targets.
Minister Shanks opened the discussion by emphasising the crucial role of grid innovation in meeting the UK’s decarbonisation goals. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers and regulators to ensure that technological advancements translate into real-world impact.
The meeting built on insights from a previous workshop held in December 2024, where key recommendations were proposed to address existing challenges in the sector. These recommendations were presented by Arenko CEO Roger Hollies and Olsights CEO Tony Griffiths, setting the stage for a productive dialogue.
One of the key themes discussed was the need to bridge the gap between network operators and innovators. Several challenges were raised, including the difficulty small innovators face in securing contracts, barriers to procurement and the need for better communication channels with government bodies. The discussion underscored the need for an improved framework to integrate new technologies into the grid efficiently.
A major proposal discussed was the establishment of a dedicated New Technology Manager within each network operator to oversee long-term innovation strategies. While many operators already have innovation leads, standardising this role across the industry would create a clearer point of contact for innovators. Additionally, the idea of a Long-Term Innovation Plan was explored, ensuring that emerging technologies are aligned with both cost reduction and decarbonisation targets beyond the five-year RIIO framework.
A critical takeaway from the meeting was the importance of transparent data sharing and industry-wide collaboration. There was strong support for the creation of an Innovation Council – a new forum bringing together network companies and technology innovators to address barriers to grid innovation. Ofgem’s planned Annual Innovation Meeting (AIM) is a step in the right direction, but additional forums focused on deployment challenges could further accelerate progress.
Minister Shanks and other participants also acknowledged the need to evolve the UK Battery Strategy to include grid storage solutions, not just automotive applications. Greater clarity on procurement rules and incentive frameworks will be essential to unlocking the full potential of new energy technologies.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to concrete action. Minister Shanks expressed his support for the proposed forum and stressed the importance of defining clear, actionable goals for working groups within Ofgem and DESNZ. There was also a strong emphasis on addressing the sector’s risk culture, encouraging a more open approach to learning from failure and taking calculated risks to drive innovation forward.
With Ofgem set to make key decisions on RIIO and innovation programme designs in the coming months, the industry has a critical window of opportunity to influence these frameworks. A follow-up workshop has been suggested to ensure that innovators have a voice in shaping these policies.
Looking ahead, Enertechnos remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in grid infrastructure. This meeting reinforced the shared commitment across government, regulators, and industry to remove barriers and accelerate the deployment of transformative energy solutions. We look forward to working alongside our partners to ensure that innovation is at the heart of the UK’s energy transition.
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