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Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 2d

“The top priority is tackling the connection queue and planning where new generation and demand should connect. We need projects that address these challenges, meet infrastructure needs, and deliver real value for consumers – all while making flexibility central as renewables rise.”

Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 2d

“SIF’s grown from four to seven challenges, so the scope’s bigger than ever,” Nathaniel explains.

Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 2d

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) is creating pathways from breakthrough ideas to real-world impact.

We caught up with Nathaniel Bottrell, Senior Advisor – Whole Systems & Networks, to chat about how collaboration is helping turn innovation into real change across the energy system.

Response to Ofgem's consultation on energy system cost allocation and recovery

Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 5d

Got an innovation for home retrofit?

Keep an eye out, something is coming. 👀

Big ideas deserve big opportunities.

And this one might be yours.

Stay tuned…

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Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 6d

Instead, we’re urging Ofgem to:

✅ Enable a competitive, innovative retail market
✅ Accelerate network tariff reform
✅ Work with government on policy cost recovery and consumer support

Read more: es.catapult.org.uk/consultation...

Consumer-serving entities, not the regulator, should decide how to package and allocate system costs to best meet the needs of consumers.

Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 6d

In our response, we highlighted that:

❌ Ofgem’s approach risks limiting innovation and consumer choice
❌ The call for input could blur retail and network tariff issues
❌ Decisions on policy costs belong with government, not Ofgem

Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 6d

At Energy Systems Catapult, our view is clear – consumer-serving entities like retailers, not the regulator, should decide how to package and recover costs to best meet consumers’ needs.

Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 6d

Ofgem’s latest consultation on cost allocation and recovery explores how system costs should be allocated and recovered across the energy market.

Paul Howard-Jones - Consumer learning journeys: An interdisciplinary framework to support Net Zero adoption - Innovation Launchpad Network+

Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 7d

Together we explored:

👉 How trust shapes adoption
👉 Why understanding and social networks matter
👉 How communication can inspire change

Learn more: innovationlaunchpad.group.shef.ac.uk/document/pau...

Paul Howard-Jones // University of Bristol // Energy Systems Catapult // Net Zero The project, a collaboration between Paul Howard-Jones and Energy Systems Catapult focused […]

innovationlaunchpad.group.shef.ac.uk

Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 7d

How do people really decide to adopt low carbon heating?

That’s the question explored in our Researchers in Residence project with the University of Bristol’s Paul Howard-Jones, bringing together psychology, education, and neuroscience to understand energy choices beyond cost.

The open energy data struggle: we must break the hype cycle

Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 8d

The UK energy sector must end its fixation on analysing barriers to innovation to unlock the promise of improved data sharing.

Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 8d

She highlights how hype often overshadows the hard fixes needed to build a truly connected energy system:

👉 No shared data standards mean innovation stays fragmented
👉 Legacy systems block interoperability and progress
👉 Endless pilots replace lasting reform

Smart Energy Data Service (SENSE)

Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 8d

For almost three decades, the UK energy sector has chased the promise of open data, yet we’re still stuck in pilot mode.

In her guest blog, Dr Ola Michalec, Lecturer at the University of Bristol, explores why progress has stalled, and what it will take to move forward.

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Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 9d

The visit was a great chance for both teams to connect and exchange ideas for the future.

Learn more about SENSE here:https://es.catapult.org.uk/project/smart-energy-data-service-sense/

The Catapult, alongside the University of Oxford, is leading the delivery of the Smart Energy Data Service (SENSE), a new data service.

Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 9d

One of the highlights of the day was Richard Snape and his team sharing an exciting sneak peek of their upcoming data portal, designed to give researchers unparalleled access to datasets on EV charging and non-domestic energy use across the UK.

Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 9d

Last month, we welcomed the Smart Data Research UK (SDR UK) Hub to our Birmingham offices to meet with our Smart Energy Data Service (SENSE) team for a jam-packed session of innovation and collaboration! 💡

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 11d

Highlights included:

🍽️ Tasting food from around the world
📚 Sharing stories from our incredible colleagues
🎉 Quizzes, activities and plenty of fun

Learn more about EDI at the Catapult here: es.catapult.org.uk/about/equity...

Fostering equity, diversity and inclusion in the energy sector and research and innovation communities will lead to more and better innovation towards Net Zero.

A flexible energy system needs a digital boost to reach peak performance

Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 11d

On 24 September we hosted our annual Catapult Culture Day Celebration! 🌍🥳

A chance to celebrate the diversity that makes Energy Systems Catapult such a brilliant place to work.

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Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 12d

A cleaner energy system needs to be fit enough to survive the day-to-day demands we place on it. Let’s look at the digital innovations needed to unlock its full potential

Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 12d

In our latest Innovating to Net Zero Insights blog, Rosie Madge, Systems Engineer – Networks and Energy Storage, explores how digitalisation is giving flexibility a performance boost through:

👉 Real-time visibility and control
👉 Smarter forecasting
👉 Coordination across distributed assets

Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 12d

As we evolve our energy system to be cleaner, it also needs to be fit enough for the daily demands we place on it. ⚡️

It can’t fall over when a storm blows in. It’s got to keep running when thousands of EVs plug in at once.

Smart Power Networks is a technology start-up that developed a smart controller to help energy networks’ control and optimise system assets.

Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 12d

The outcome?

✔️ Microgrid trials with 20% energy cost savings
✔️ Investment secured to grow the team
✔️ Clearer market strategy and route to scale

Discover more: es.catapult.org.uk/project/smar...

Smart Power Networks

Energy Systems Catapult @energysyscat.bsky.social · 12d

We helped them:

➡️ Understand users and market needs
➡️ Refine its business model
➡️ Build a minimum viable product and connect with investors