Analysis
Heat
Given the green light: electricity
Four network innovation competition submissions made the cut in the latest round of innovation funding, but two more missed out. Network runs through the winners and losers of the Electricity NIC.
Gas
Gas: four paths to 2050
National Grid is to boost customer engagement to provide a clearer picture of the future of the gas transmission system
Gas
The next steps for innovation
Ofgem has concluded that support for network operators to innovate should continue, but with a tighter budget and increased competition.
Heat
What does DSO really mean?
Distribution network operators are starting their transition to distribution system operators, but the industry lacks consensus on what the role really entails.
Gas
Catch it, keep it: the role of CCS in decarbonising gas and heat
CCS is struggling for a future in the UK. Network explores its value to the challenge of decarbonising heat via the gas grid.
Power
Better together with skills
Why the UK’s infrastructure outlook requires a whole utilities sector skills strategy.
Customers
What is successful innovation?
Transfer to business as usual has become the mark of success for innovation funding, but is it the right measure?
Gas
Top performance
Operational leaders discuss how to optimise network assets in the changing energy landscape
Gas
Smart metering: It begins
The rollout of smart meters will usher in a new digital dawn for energy, bringing network operators out of the darkness and into the light. But not before some stumbles.
Heat
Fluid movement: new transformer fluids are shifting asset risk profiles
It’s time to change conventional thinking about transformer fluids and realise opportunities to mitigate asset risk, argues a new white paper.
Heat
So much more than blackout
The lights going out is the least of the trouble caused by power cuts today.
Power
EVs: a car park of storage
Electric vehicles are being hailed as the mobile storage solution, but power needs to flow both ways.
Gas
Mixed blessings: What does the rise of the EV mean for electricity networks?
The future of transport will definitely include electric vehicles, but is the rise of the EV a blessing or a curse for electricity networks?
Gas
Changing industry gender ratios is easier said than done
The energy industry is failing to significantly increase the proportion or accelerate the progression of female staff. Network explores the problem.
Gas
PipeCo: could it work?
Attracting investment may demand more than just a framework – it could need a whole new business model.
Gas
District heat: an attractive investment?
District heat networks are expected to supply a significant proportion of the UK's heating needs, but first the sector needs to attract institutional investment.
Gas
Ukraine: learning from the cyberattack
Andrew Wadsworth says last year’s cyberattack on the Ukraine electricity supply has lessons for all users of operational technology.
Gas
A multipronged plan for heat
There is no single way to decarbonise heat cheaply, but there are options if the UK starts the planning process now.
Gas
Our future in Europe
Energy network leaders favour a “remain” vote in the upcoming referendum, according to views expressed at a recent industry debate.
Gas
Dealing with the digital enemy: the rise of cybercrime
How will the UK’s critical infrastructure deal with the new and growing threat of cybercrime?
Power
Clarity lacking on apprenticeship levy
As network operators struggle to address skills gaps, uncertainty prevails over the delivery of support for apprenticeship training across the UK.
Power
Utility Week Live: Innovation – a step closer to business as usual?
In this period of transformation within the energy sector, the networks are acutely aware of the need to innovate to remain relevant and capable of servicing the evolving energy market.
Gas
The health and safety challenge
As financial penalties for failings are set to rise, Network explores the specific health and safety challenges facing network operators.
Gas
The future’s bright, the future’s hydrogen
The future of gas distribution networks is looking bright with both hydrogen and shale gas offering viable alternatives to natural gas.
Gas
Building the dream: energy systems integration
Is it real life? Or just fantasy? Network explores the vision of a single energy system – why should we desire it and is it feasible to create?
Power
The NIC and NIA – innovation without barriers
The call from network operators to Ofgem on the future of innovation funding is loud and clear: it must continue. But they also acknowledge that the funding mechanisms need change to continue to be effective.
Heat
Are industry skills challenges insurmountable?
Energy networks are struggling to make an impact on their skills outlook despite strong investment in STEM engagement schemes. What needs to change to make a difference?
Power
Electric vehicles: friend or foe?
Electric vehicle numbers are swelling and soon they’ll be mainstream. Is this a prospect DNOs should fear?