At Blake Clough Consulting, we are passionate about electricity network innovation and its critical role in enabling a resilient, decarbonised energy future. As electricity networks grow in scale and complexity, innovation is vital to addressing emerging challenges such as:
- Declining system inertia
- Increasing connection volumes
- Rapidly shifting generation and demand patterns
- Enhanced requirements for electricity transmission
Collaborating Across the Electricity Sector
We develop and deliver high-impact network innovation projects in collaboration with:
- UK electricity transmission and distribution operators
- Local councils and regional authorities
- Strategic energy organisations such as Energy Systems Catapult and the Carbon Trust
Our consultants bring deep sector knowledge and a proven track record of success across key innovation funding mechanisms, including:
- Network Innovation Allowance (NIA)
- Network Innovation Competition (NIC)
- Electricity NIC
- Innovate UK
- UKRI
- UKPN innovation
These projects span a wide range of technical domains, from smart grid control and curtailment mitigation, to power system stability, AI-driven analytics, and digital modelling.
Strategic Innovation Support for Network Operators
We support electricity network operators – including National Grid, UK Power Networks (UKPN), SSEN Transmission, and Electricity North West (ENWL) – in shaping and delivering their innovation strategy.
In addition to technical delivery, we help our clients secure critical funding by:
- Developing robust business cases
- Conducting detailed cost-benefit analyses
- Crafting technically sound and strategically aligned funding submissions
For example, our team recently helped ENWL secure funding through the Innovation Rollout Mechanism (IRM) to support the widescale deployment of Smart Street technology.
Future-Focused: Digital Innovation & AI
Innovation in electricity networks is evolving. At Blake Clough, we are exploring how advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI can:
- Accelerate system modelling
- Improve transparency in power system behaviour
- Support faster, smarter decision-making
We believe that strategic, scalable innovation is the key to delivering the Net Zero electricity system demanded by society.
What Is Network Innovation?
Network innovation refers to the development of new technologies, processes, and approaches that improve the performance, efficiency, and flexibility of the electricity grid. It enables the integration of low-carbon technologies, supports energy resilience, and drives value for consumers.
In the UK, much of this innovation is guided by Ofgem through funding routes such as the Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) and Electricity NIC, and shared through the Smarter Networks Portal to maximise learning across the sector.
Explore Innovation with Blake Clough
If you’re developing an electricity transmission or distribution innovation project, preparing a submission to Ofgem, or looking to advance your strategic innovation goals, we’d love to hear from you.
Let’s work together to shape the future of smarter, cleaner, more resilient electricity networks.
Blake Clough Consulting has a broad expertise and a responsive service, which consistently meets our diverse project needs. We particularly value their adaptability and commitment to meeting challenging deadlines. Their willingness to engage collaboratively and accommodate customer requests greatly contributes to the success of our projects. We are very appreciative of your efforts and happy with the outcomes.
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