Tracking and reporting on the value delivered by our innovation projects enables us to demonstrate how we are improving the efficiency of our operations and supporting the transition to net zero.   

Assessing the benefits and impacts of innovation 

To help us identify, explore and implement improvements to the current and future gas network, we need to understand the successes and value delivered by previous innovation projects, once they been implemented.   

At the end of the RIIO-1 price control period (2013 to 2021), we assessed the projects carried out and lessons learned from both successful and unsuccessful outcomes. Innovation projects may deliver financial, environmental, social, operational and other benefits. To date, we have identified £89million of value delivered from our RIIO-1 innovation projects. 

Our Operational Innovation team is now supporting the business to implement these projects and share successes through our published case studies. 

Progress towards net zero 

We started our journey to a net zero National Transmission System (NTS) during the RIIO-1 period. Now we are focused on demonstrating our network capability through the RIIO-2 period (ending in March 2026) so we’re ready to deliver Project Union and other net zero transition projects.

In RIIO-2, our Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) and Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) activities are focused on building the safety, technical and commercial case for the NTS to carry hydrogen and other net-zero gases. The benefits associated with these innovation projects are unlikely to be seen during the RIIO-2 period, but will be tracked robustly through the life of the projects and afterwards into business as usual.

Collaboration and information sharing 

Wherever we can, we aim to provide value across the energy networks by sharing our learning and collaborating with others. We use working groups, conferences and stakeholder sessions to share information on the main technologies we’ve developed. These working groups provide a forum for exchanging knowledge, developing ideas and accessing a wide range of research and development programmes. They also allow us to seek funding contributions where needed.

Building a culture of innovation 

We continue to embed innovations within our core business, through subject-matter-expert forums and internal conferences. Building a culture of innovation across the business and ensuring engagement with wider teams within the business is vital to successful implementation. We are actively benchmarking our innovation approach against other companies across the energy sectors, to ensure we provide value to UK energy consumers.