Funding fuels cleaner freight and a fairer energy future
Supporting vulnerable customers with their energy use and accelerating the move to electric lorries are just two of the challenges UK Power Networks is taking on in Ofgem’s latest innovation funding round.
Four innovation projects have secured backing through the latest round of the Strategic Innovation Fund, an Ofgem programme managed in partnership with Innovate UK. Each is focused on driving the UK closer to Net Zero while addressing critical challenges in the ‘energy transition’ as people use electricity in different ways, from electrifying freight to boosting rural power reliability.
Two of the projects, Future Fleet and SHARED, have entered the ‘Alpha’ phase, which focuses on proving concepts through small-scale testing, and validating key assumptions before moving to larger trials. The other two, Wayl‑Ease and SNUG, have progressed to the ‘Beta’ phase, where solutions are scaled up and demonstrated over a longer period.
Future Fleet
Future Fleet will create a practical blueprint for electrifying freight by bringing logistics and energy systems together, helping operators understand and adopt smart, flexible charging and operational strategies. The innovation brings together logistic operators Maritime and Voltloader, megawatt charging solutions provider Voltempo and industry partners Energy Systems Catapult and Baringa to define real-world operator profiles and match them with tailored energy solutions. This will include flexible connections, on-site batteries and smart charging, and will identify the most cost-efficient pathway to large‑scale decarbonisation.
SHARED (Smart Hydrogen and Resilient Energy Decarbonisation)
SHARED is creating a hydrogen-powered backup system to keep rural communities connected during power cuts. Delivered in collaboration with The First Element and Frazer-Nash Consultancy, the project will design and test a modular device that makes hydrogen when demand for electricity is low and turns it back into electricity during a power outage, all of which can be activated using smart controls for quick response.
Wayl-Ease
Wayl Ease will be a secure digital platform that simplifies the process of putting in place consent agreements between network operators and landowners. By increasing engagement with landowners and securing more consents, the project will help strengthen the delivery of local grid upgrades needed for Net Zero. A core focus of the next stage will be exploring how the solution can better respond to community interests and support local energy initiatives, ensuring the platform delivers wider social value. To achieve this, UK Power Networks will work with Digital Catapult and Community Energy Pathways to enhance the user experience, while Tata Consultancy Services will introduce AI powered asset assessment, interactive mapping and digital contracting.
SNUG (Smarter Network Upgrades) – formerly Flex Direct
SNUG is creating a new, scalable route for social housing landlords to join energy flexibility markets by retrofitting homes with proven energy efficiency measures. Working with major partners — including Northern Powergrid, Sia Partners, the Centre for Sustainable Energy and the University of Strathclyde/Power Networks Demonstration Centre, alongside local authorities and suppliers such as Norwich City Council, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, E.ON Next and Utilita — the project aims to cut peak electricity demand and support the decarbonisation of home heating. Together, they will support the trial of the retrofitting in up to 300 homes and develop a new online toolkit for social landlords.
Luca Grella, head of innovation at UK Power Networks, said: “We’re thrilled to see all these projects progress to their next phase. Each one pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in delivering a smarter, more resilient and low-carbon energy system. From AI-enabled, data-driven grid upgrades electrifying freight to new ways to unlocking flexibility in homes, these innovations will play a vital role in accelerating the UK’s journey to a low carbon future.”
Charlotte Johnson, director of research and analysis, Centre for Sustainable Energy: “SNUG is a great example of what’s possible when network operators and social housing providers work together. We’re excited to be partnering with UK Power Networks to test a new approach that puts vulnerable consumers at the heart of flexibility. By linking energy efficiency upgrades with flexibility markets, this project shows how social housing can play a bigger role in the energy transition while ensuring tenants see real, tangible benefits from warmer homes and a smarter energy system.”
Published: 09/02/26
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Four innovation projects have secured backing through the latest round of the Strategic Innovation Fund, an Ofgem programme managed in partnership with Innovate UK. Each is focused on driving the UK closer to Net Zero while addressing critical challenges in the ‘energy transition’ as people use electricity in different ways, from electrifying freight to boosting rural power reliability.
Two of the projects, Future Fleet and SHARED, have entered the ‘Alpha’ phase, which focuses on proving concepts through small-scale testing, and validating key assumptions before moving to larger trials. The other two, Wayl‑Ease and SNUG, have progressed to the ‘Beta’ phase, where solutions are scaled up and demonstrated over a longer period.
Future Fleet
Future Fleet will create a practical blueprint for electrifying freight by bringing logistics and energy systems together, helping operators understand and adopt smart, flexible charging and operational strategies. The innovation brings together logistic operators Maritime and Voltloader, megawatt charging solutions provider Voltempo and industry partners Energy Systems Catapult and Baringa to define real-world operator profiles and match them with tailored energy solutions. This will include flexible connections, on-site batteries and smart charging, and will identify the most cost-efficient pathway to large‑scale decarbonisation.
SHARED (Smart Hydrogen and Resilient Energy Decarbonisation)
SHARED is creating a hydrogen-powered backup system to keep rural communities connected during power cuts. Delivered in collaboration with The First Element and Frazer-Nash Consultancy, the project will design and test a modular device that makes hydrogen when demand for electricity is low and turns it back into electricity during a power outage, all of which can be activated using smart controls for quick response.
Wayl-Ease
Wayl Ease will be a secure digital platform that simplifies the process of putting in place consent agreements between network operators and landowners. By increasing engagement with landowners and securing more consents, the project will help strengthen the delivery of local grid upgrades needed for Net Zero. A core focus of the next stage will be exploring how the solution can better respond to community interests and support local energy initiatives, ensuring the platform delivers wider social value. To achieve this, UK Power Networks will work with Digital Catapult and Community Energy Pathways to enhance the user experience, while Tata Consultancy Services will introduce AI powered asset assessment, interactive mapping and digital contracting.
SNUG (Smarter Network Upgrades) – formerly Flex Direct
SNUG is creating a new, scalable route for social housing landlords to join energy flexibility markets by retrofitting homes with proven energy efficiency measures. Working with major partners — including Northern Powergrid, Sia Partners, the Centre for Sustainable Energy and the University of Strathclyde/Power Networks Demonstration Centre, alongside local authorities and suppliers such as Norwich City Council, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, E.ON Next and Utilita — the project aims to cut peak electricity demand and support the decarbonisation of home heating. Together, they will support the trial of the retrofitting in up to 300 homes and develop a new online toolkit for social landlords.
Luca Grella, head of innovation at UK Power Networks, said: “We’re thrilled to see all these projects progress to their next phase. Each one pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in delivering a smarter, more resilient and low-carbon energy system. From AI-enabled, data-driven grid upgrades electrifying freight to new ways to unlocking flexibility in homes, these innovations will play a vital role in accelerating the UK’s journey to a low carbon future.”
Charlotte Johnson, director of research and analysis, Centre for Sustainable Energy: “SNUG is a great example of what’s possible when network operators and social housing providers work together. We’re excited to be partnering with UK Power Networks to test a new approach that puts vulnerable consumers at the heart of flexibility. By linking energy efficiency upgrades with flexibility markets, this project shows how social housing can play a bigger role in the energy transition while ensuring tenants see real, tangible benefits from warmer homes and a smarter energy system.”
Published: 09/02/26
Back to news