Delivering 12 gigawatts (GW) of consumer-led flexibility by 2030 is essential for achieving a clean power system. Technology innovation alone will not get us to that 12GW target. Market architecture is also a key barrier to scaling this flexibility. Fragmented access, weak locational signals, and operator dispatch caution are currently trapping innovation in pilot environments rather than allowing scaling into dependable system capacity.
To break these barriers UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is convening a one-day Innovation Sandpit. This collaborative event will bring together sector experts including but not limited to:
- the National Energy System Operator
- distribution system operators
- innovators
- independent market platform providers
- research
- Catapult organisations
They will work together to co-design feasible intervention ideas that can be funded towards prototype and minimum viable test products.
This initiative is part of UKRI’s Clean Energy Superpower Mission, which is one of the missions included in the Research and Development Missions Accelerator Programme. This sandpit is specifically part of the Consumer Led Flexibility Challenge within the Mission.
Funding
The selected prototype and minimum viable test products will be eligible to apply for a part of a total funding amount of £1 million, inclusive of VAT. The applications will include (but are not limited to) written confirmation of evidence assessed during the sandpit day, a project plan including lead applicant and sub-contractor details as well as costings.
The individual project value is approximately £50,000 to £350,000 per project, inclusive of VAT.
The funding will be delivered using the Contracts for Innovation mechanism. Contracts for Innovation competitions involve procurement of R&D services and are not subject to subsidy control criteria. This competition is run by the Authority under the Procurement Act 2023 (R&D exemption).
Full details on the funding opportunity and requirements will be shared with sandpit attendees before the event. Innovate UK reserves the right not to award a contract to any of the selected projects from the sandpit.
Timeline
The prototype and minimum viable test products will be assessed by an expert panel during the Sandpit. A formalised application, is due within two weeks post-event. Projects must start on 1 July.
The delivery window is three to six months post award.
Please note, Arup have been contracted by UKRI to support with the facilitation and delivery of the sandpit.
