SSEN Transmission has secured nearly £300,000 in funding for two innovation projects designed to enhance the resilience and efficiency of the UK’s electricity network, supporting the transition to a net zero energy system. The funding comes through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), an initiative managed by Ofgem in partnership with Innovate UK to drive network innovation.
The larger portion of the funding, £149,612, will support the ODIN project, a collaboration with tech company Ross Robotics. This project aims to develop automated methods for interpreting and diagnosing data gathered by robots operating in high voltage direct current (HVDC) halls. One such robot, named EXTRM MK4.1 or “Haggis” following a local school competition, was deployed last year at SSEN Transmission’s Blackhillock HVDC switching station in Aberdeenshire. The robot is used to inspect electrical components and detect potential faults or maintenance needs.
“ODIN’s funding will be used to develop artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to interpret the data captured by Haggis, uncovering new insights into HVDC asset behaviour,” said a spokesperson for SSEN Transmission. “This will help improve operational efficiency and support the development of a reliable and resilient network for net zero.”
In addition, SSEN Transmission has received £139,663 for the RAPID project, which focuses on improving the route design process for new overhead line projects. This initiative follows recommendations from a 2023 report by the UK Government’s independent Electricity Networks Commissioner, Nick Winser. In collaboration with other transmission operators and the National Energy Systems Operator, the RAPID project aims to standardize the route design process, fostering stakeholder confidence in selecting routes for new infrastructure.
Alan Ritchie, Senior Innovation Manager at SSEN Transmission, emphasized the importance of such innovation, stating, “Innovation plays a key role in our work to upgrade the transmission network in the north of Scotland, and we’ve been on an exciting innovation journey over the past year – with ODIN and RAPID among an extensive portfolio of sector-leading projects.”
Ritchie added, “Overall, we anticipate our current portfolio has the potential to generate upwards of £190 million in benefits by the end of the 2026-31 price control period (RIIO-T3), demonstrating our substantial contributions to the sector and our dedication to using innovation to deliver a sustainable, resilient, and efficient electricity network for the future.”
The funding awarded to SSEN Transmission is part of a broader effort to advance the UK’s energy infrastructure as it moves towards a net zero future. The SIF programme continues to support projects that enhance the reliability and sustainability of the national electricity grid.
