EIC - Energy Innovation Centre

04/06/2026

🚨New call for innovation launched!

The aim of this opportunity to identify a scalable uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that maintains power to telecommunications equipment during outages.

During prolonged power outages or extreme weather, customers can lose access to services when equipment such as optical network terminals (ONTs) lose power.

This loss of capability can prevent customers from contacting their distribution network operator (DNO) to report outages, receive updates or access support in emergencies. A resilient backup power solution is required to maintain communications during network fault events.

🟢 Deadline: 11.59pm, 17 June 2026

Think you or someone you know can help? Visit our website (or point them in our direction) now for more information and to make your submission (link in the comments).

27/05/2026

New opportunity launched... can you help?

Currently, Scottish Power Manweb (SPM) does not have a structured condition based risk management (CBRM) approach for pilot cable assets.

These assets aren't included within the industry standard Common Network Asset Indices Methodology (CNAIM) framework, which is otherwise used to assess asset condition and inform risk based investment decisions.

SPM is seeking a structured, evidence-based CBRM framework for pilot cable assets. The preferred output is a practical and repeatable approach that gives clearer insight into pilot cable condition and supports more consistent, risk-based decision-making.

Interested and think you can help? Visit our website now for full details, requirements and to submit your proposal.

🟢 Deadline: 11.59pm, 24 July 2026
🟢 Q&A Session: 9.30am, 29 June 2026
🟢 More information? Link in the comments.

18/05/2026

The Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) has published two new support resources designed to help innovators bring innovative solutions into operational use faster and improve the quality of energy industry feedback.

Developed as part of the Industry Innovator Action Plan, the resources focus on:
👉Accelerating the transition of innovation projects into business-as-usual (BAU) operations
👉Improving the quality and consistency of feedback across the sector.

The Innovation Deployment Guidance, led by UK Power Networks, provides practical guidance for innovators and network operators preparing projects for deployment. It outlines 15 indicators intended to help identify risks, gaps and dependencies earlier in the process.

It also includes a section written by Stewart Reid, former Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Future Head of Future Networks, offering advice on preparing projects for final executive approval.

Standardising Quality Feedback, led by Northern Gas Networks, sets out best practice for providing clear and consistent feedback to innovators across the industry.

Find out more via the link in the comments.

29/04/2026

Our Operations Director Matthieu Michel met with our Innovator Impact Panel on Tuesday, as we continue to understand their experiences and improve how the energy sector supports them.

As the voice of innovators in the energy sector, we regularly engage with the panel and our wider innovator community.

At the meeting, the group reviewed progress on the Innovator Industry Action Plan and discussed support priorities for the months ahead. It also gave innovators the chance to engage directly with Ofgem.

Find out more about the action plan 👉 https://www.ukeic.com/energy-innovator-support/action-plan/

07/04/2026

Last chance to register for tomorrow’s Q&A session on the Live Low Voltage (LV) Cable Tester opportunity!

Don’t forget to pre-submit your questions by 4PM today.

Register now: https://www.tixtree.com/e/qa-live-low-voltage-lv-cable-tester-10f28f1307e2

30/03/2026

What will it really take to reach net zero by 2050?

Join our free webinar with senior electrical engineer Paul Jewell on Wednesday 8 April at 10am, where he will explore the scale of change ahead, what it means for our energy systems and why innovation will be critical to the transition.

Tickets are available from 10am tomorrow.

Places are limited and our webinars often fill up fast, so set your reminders!

Book your free place: https://www.tixtree.com/e/webinar-achieving-net-zero-7dfdd5e25a92

24/03/2026

New call for innovation launched... can you help? UK Power Networks require a device that can confirm whether the insulated core of a cable is free from hidden or intermittent faults, ensuring jointers are safe to carry out their work.

Currently Drummond test lamps are used to test voltages, but these tests don't positively confirm the condition of the cable to be connected and an insulation failure may not be detected.

Visit our website now (link in the comments) for full details, requirements and to submit your proposal.

🟣Deadline: 11.59pm, 24 April 2026
🟣Q&A: 1pm, 8 April 2026.

13/03/2026

Don't forget if you've got an idea that could solve this problem, the deadline for submissions is this coming Monday (17 March) at 23.59!

We look forward to hearing from you.

SP Energy Networks is seeking solutions to improve the traction of their Unimog Live Line Hands-On (LLHO) trucks.

Currently, LLHO trucks are used to facilitate important live line work across the network, maintaining continuity of supply and reducing the need for planned outages. However, the use of these trucks is often constrained in rural locations due to limited site access and poor ground conditions.

They are looking for an easy-to-deploy solution that enables LLHO trucks to safely traverse steep and/or wet ground while causing minimal damage to land. The solution must be:

🟢 Compliant with Live line Safety Standards
🟢 Compliant with existing operational procedures
🟢 Reusable and retrofittable
🟢 Cost Effective when compared to hiring specialist equipment such as Morooka Trucks.

Interested and think you or your business can help?

Full details of the opportunity, together with how to submit your proposal can be found on our website.

Key Information:

🟢 Deadline: 17 March 2026
🟢 Q&A Session: 5 March 2026
🟢 Extra Support: Please email or call us.

02/03/2026

Back due to popular demand!

Our senior electrical engineer Paul Jewell will again host a free webinar covering energy innovation funding and 2026 priorities on 13 March at 2pm.

The session will cover:
🟢 How the industry split with privatisation
🟢 A look ahead at 2026 and current funding streams
🟢 Guidelines for eligible projects
🟢 How to get involved.

Tickets are on sale now, as always on a first-come, first-served basis.

Click the link in the comments to find out more and secure your place!

24/02/2026

Our partners SSEN Transmission and Northern Gas Networks have launched a number of innovation challenges following the ENA’s 2026 Energy Innovation Basecamp.

All challenges are live now until the deadline on 13 March.

Visit our website for for more information (link in the comments), or message us if you’d like support with the submission process.