Member Article

Wales & West Utilities (WWU) ramp up innovation investment to meet energy challenges of the future

Wales and West Utilities has set out their latest evidence on how innovation can be used to help to meet the UK Government’s net zero target.

The future of energy generation, distribution and uses remains uncertain, but it is clear that new technology and processes are needed to meet the required changes to the energy system.

Gas keeps the country running and accounted for just under 40% of the energy mix in 2022, in addition to oil at 36%, electricity through wind (4%) and solar (1%). 40% of electricity is supplied by the gas network and relies on the network for resilience during periods of high demand.

To reach net zero emissions, gas must be replaced with a cleaner energy source that can still meet periods of peak demand and strengthening energy security.

WWU pursued a range of innovation projects throughout 2022/23 pushing to provide new data and technology that could help accelerate the transition to net zero and transform the UK’s energy system.

Over 2022/23, WWU started 19 new projects, funded by a total investment of £2.2 million, including £1.5m of Network Innovation Allowance funding.

Findings of the projects have been published online to allow other networks and partners to build upon learnings. WWU are encouraging innovators to put forward their ideas for funding consideration.

Sian Rowlands, Innovation Manager at Wales & West Utilities: Thanks to NIA, almost half (47%) of our projects were undertaken in collaboration with other networks. Collaboration sits at the heart of the solution, and at WWU, we’re determined to be a part of that solution.“

38 projects are planned for the rest of 2023 into 2024, ahead of a significant further pipeline. WWU will concentrate on areas that will help to deliver a just energy transition and accelerate decarbonisation for a range of sectors.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nathan Stenett .