Our innovation work is increasingly being adopted into business as usual throughout NGET. As our innovation portfolio matures and projects reach completion, we are introducing new ways of working and advanced technologies that offer a range of benefits, including enhanced safety, risk reduction, increased capacity from the network, and lower emissions.
It is essential that our innovation, aimed at supporting the transition to net zero, deliver tangible benefits for consumers, customers, and our industry. We are placing greater emphasis on the rollout, implementation, and performance tracking of our innovations once they become part of our everyday operations. We are excited to share some of the innovations that have been successfully rolled out and the benefits they have delivered.
How smart technology is helping predict flood and erosion risk
Our automated severe weather alert tool is helping us protect vulnerable assets at risk from extreme weather events. This novel early warning system, which can help us better react to threats when they emerge, has the potential to save up to £6 million of repair costs while boosting the resilience of our network.
Understanding our HVDC environmental impact
We’ve assessed the carbon impact of high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems through their entire lifecycle. By adopting the research’s recommendations, we could reduce emissions by more than 15% or the equivalent of 113,000 tons CO2 total emissions before material recovery. The research will also help inform our sustainability considerations and decision making for future HVDC projects.
Modernising pylon inspections with advanced drones and AI
Through our innovative ‘VICAP’ project we’ve fully automated the way we capture and process corrosion-related condition assessment data for the steelwork on our pylons. By using drones and AI technology, we can reduce our use of helicopters. That means less fuel and maintenance costs, faster processing times for assessments – and around £630,000 of annual savings for consumers.
Seal of approval for remedying SF6 leaks
Our successful work to remedy SF6 leaks continues to be rolled out within NGET. Since 2022, we’ve saved the equivalent of some 9,000 tonnes of CO2 from direct SF6 emissions to the atmosphere by using a novel technology to fix leaks – and it’s all been done without the need for an outage. That’s because as well as reducing SF6 leaks, we can deploy this cutting-edge new technology while keeping our critical infrastructure in service. That’s a double benefit for consumers, as we reduce environmental impact and keep electricity flowing around the country.