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 across:
- 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
Selected prototype and minimum viable test products will be eligible for part of a total funding amount of £1 million.
The individual project value is approximately £50,000 to £350,000 per project.
Timeline
The prototype and minimum viable test products will be assessed by an expert panel during the sandpit. Formalised costings are due within two weeks post-event, with contract awards finalised within one month of the sandpit.
The delivery window is three to six months post award.
Arup has been contracted by UKRI to support with the facilitation and delivery of the sandpit.
