Strategic Innovation Fund round 1 alpha projects approved for funding

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) is a funding mechanism for the Electricity System Operator, Electricity Transmission, Gas Transmission and Gas Distribution sectors.

The SIF aims to find and fund ambitious, innovative projects with the potential to accelerate the transition to net zero. These projects should help shape the future of the gas and electricity networks and succeed commercially where possible.

The SIF is delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Our objective for the SIF is to help transform the UK into the ‘Silicon Valley’ of energy, making the UK the best place for high-potential businesses to grow and scale in the energy market.

In Autumn 2021, we launched on four round 1 Innovation Challenge areas:

Whole system integration
Data and digitalisation
Heat
Zero-emission transport

We are now confirming our decision to enable 18 projects to progress into the alpha phase and receive SIF funding.

Further details about these projects will be published on the Energy Networks Association’s Smarter Networks Portal. You can also watch short videos about the projects on YouTube.

Read more about the fund on the UKRI website and in the publications list below.

You can also sign up for future news updates about the SIF.