Engineering Innovation

Engineering innovation

From AI to exceptional engineering, discover the latest developments shaping the future of energy. 

Cable laying in Norway for the National Grid and Statnett North Sea Link (NSL) interconnector

First-of-its-kind engineering feat amidst the fjords

Building the world’s longest undersea cable, to allow the UK to share zero carbon energy with Norway, has brought some challenges. Read more about how we engineered smart solutions to deal with tough terrain and fishing lakes.

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National Grid in numbers

Learn more about some of our most significant projects via our fact-filled videos.

Grid in numbers
Cart in the distance inside new Humber pipeline tunnel Gas : Engineering innovation

Pipe dreams achieved at record-breaking tunnel task

Building a new gas pipeline under the River Humber has been no small task, involving 5km of pipes and 16 Olympic swimming pools’ worth of water. Now close to completion, the team has just finished another vital stage, breaking a world record on the way.

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Interconnector cables being pulled across a beach - used for the National Grid article 'Connecting electricity systems for a greener Britain' Ventures : Engineering innovation

Connecting electricity systems for a greener Britain

National Grid’s Nick Sides explains how the company’s interconnectors – undersea cables that allow us to exchange energy with neighbouring countries – are contributing to creating a greener Britain.

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Pylons at sunset with light bursts in the sky for National Grid AI paving way to net zero story ESO : Engineering innovation

Future Thinking: How AI is paving the way to net zero

A fear of the devastating potential of climate change inspired self-confessed super geek and data scientist Jack Kelly to join National Grid ESO, to help speed up the journey to net zero. Here he talks about how he’s using his expertise in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to unlock a cleaner energy future.

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ESO : Engineering innovation
Sunset on Solar

ESO: How we’re helping smaller generators to change their settings

Graham Stein, Network Operability Manager at National Grid ESO, explains why we’re helping smaller generators to change their settings as part of the Loss of Mains Change programme.

Group : Engineering innovation
Electricity pylons against sunset for National Grid Partners investing in SparkCognition

Exploring AI in cybersecurity: National Grid Partners invests in SparkCognition

The industrial and business world is increasingly realising the benefits Artificial Intelligence (AI) can bring. AI has the power to analyse complex data, deliver actionable insights, increase the production value of assets and protect against cyber threats.

Group : Engineering innovation
Boring machine 'Mary' on a truck

Tunnel boring machine 'Mary' helps break record under the Humber

National Grid’s replacement River Humber Pipeline is almost 5km in length, construction of the pipeline – which will sit within a tunnel under the riverbed – will be a significant feat of engineering. Central to the task has been a giant tunnel boring machine affectionately known as ‘Mary’.

ESO : Engineering innovation
Sunset over solar panels for ESO article

ESO: Solar power that never sleeps

Find out how solar power helped to keep the lights on even at night as part of a pioneering trial in East Sussex.

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Energy explained

Ever wondered what net zero means? Want to know how windfarms make energy? Or how electricity and gas gets to you? Here we answer all your energy questions.
 

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