Energy Networks Association announces today that it will host the first Electricity Innovation Forum next month, a joint event between Great Britain’s electricity networks. The forum is aimed at sharing the latest knowledge and findings from the networks leading energy innovation projects.
Independent research carried out by Pöyry has shown that innovation projects by local electricity Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) could deliver up to £1.7bn of benefits by 2031. These projects and services could deliver major savings to billpayers in the years ahead by ensuring that our networks evolve to new demands in the most cost-efficient way possible.
The projects to be discussed at this and future forums are funded via the Ofgem Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) which funds projects directly related to the licensees network that have the potential to deliver financial benefits to energy consumers while meeting UK decarbonisation targets.
The focus of this Electricity Innovation Forum is on asset management and dynamic line ratings. Attendees will hear from speakers from across the electricity networks about the exciting developments resulting from innovation projects in these areas, as well as:
- gain insight to how network innovation strategy informs innovation funding direction.
- better understand the benefits that network innovation provides for energy consumers.
- find out how to become more involved in energy network innovation and where partnering opportunities might arise.
- have the opportunity to ask questions and network with electricity network innovation teams.
The event is aimed this event at stakeholders who would like to understand the how the learning from innovation projects is being utilised and get involved in future innovation activities which they can do through the relaunched ENA Network Innovation Collaboration Portal.
David Smith, CEO of Energy Networks Association, comments:
“The Electricity Innovation Forum is an excellent way for energy innovators to find out more about energy network projects created through the Network Innovation Allowance. The projects provide benefits across the whole UK energy industry which continues to be the most innovative in the world. As the current RIIO price control continues and as we begin discussions about the format of the new RIIO2 price control, network companies will continue to play a leading role in delivering network innovation projects through the NIA, with that work being co-ordinated through the forthcoming Electricity Network Innovation Strategy.”
