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Keeping innovative ideas flowing: New one-stop-shop for network innovation launched

19 May 2021

 

Energy Networks Association (ENA) has launched a new Smarter Networks Portal for network innovation, making innovation more accessible and transparent, while also providing innovators a simple way to submit their own ideas directly to networks.

 

The Smarter Networks Portal combines the previous Network Innovation Collaboration Portal and Smarter Network Portal into a new one-stop-shop for network innovation and providing more information on the opportunities for energy networks to collaborate on innovation. It will help to drive the type of innovation we need to get to a Net Zero future and help the network operators drive efficiencies and improvements to the ways they manage the networks.

With an enhanced look and feel, the experience for innovators has been significantly improved. For those interested in finding out more about past and current network innovation, the Portal is a repository of all completed and live projects. The new search function is also quicker than ever, allowing users to search for projects by network, innovation topics and many other features.

The Smarter Networks Portal is also a hub that enables the sharing of learning and outputs from innovation. Innovators can find out more about the many webinars and dissemination events that take place as well as sign up for weekly email updates on new projects, tailored to their specific interests.

Dan Clarke, Head of Innovation at Energy Networks Association which represents the UK and Ireland’s energy networks businesses, said:

“The UK’s energy networks are already viewed as some of the most innovative in the world; tools like the Smarter Networks Portal will keep it that way. The Portal will improve accessibility and transparency, make it easier for innovators to propose or pitch new and innovative ideas, and I encourage everyone with an interest in network innovation to get involved.”

Press contacts for journalists

Peter Kocen

Senior Press and Public Affairs Manager

+44 (0)7792 220 974

peter.kocen@energynetworks.org

ENA Press Office

press@energynetworks.org

 

Notes to editor

Visit the Smarter Networks Portal: https://smarter.energynetworks.org

About Energy Networks Association

Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.

ENA helps its members meet the challenge of delivering electricity and gas to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.

Its members include every major electricity and gas network operator in the UK and Ireland, independent operators, National Grid ESO which operates the electricity system in Great Britain and National Gas which operates the gas system in Great Britain. Its affiliate membership also includes companies with an interest in energy, including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail.

What are energy network operators?

Energy network operators manage and maintain the wires, pipes and other infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas to your home, business and community. They are private companies which are regulated by Ofgem and employ around 40,000 people in Great Britain.

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