Episode 25

full
Published on:

13th May 2026

Networks Reimagined: Driving innovation for a future energy system

In this episode Jodie talks to Marzia Zafar, Deputy Director for Digitalisation and Innovation at Ofgem, and Laura Sandys CBE, Chair of the Energy Network Innovation Taskforce, about the SIF’s new programmatic approach to delivering transformational Innovation in the next five year price control.

The programmatic approach has two aspects: Firstly, the Energy Network Innovation Taskforce brought together industry innovation teams and leaders from the energy network sector and beyond. Their role: to identify ambitious, long-term and outcome driven challenges to bring strategic focus to the SIF for the five-year RIIO-3 price control period.

Secondly, the introduction of Innovation Delivery Groups to provide a collaboration framework across networks for addressing these Innovation Challenges and ensure accountability to deliver outcomes that reflect customer needs alongside economic growth.

Listen to the conversation to find out more.

· The identified challenges have been published in the ‘Networks Reimagined: Driving innovation for a future energy system’ report - read here

· Find out more about the SIF on the Innovate UK Business Connect webpage

· Sign up to Innovate UK’s regular SIF newsletter

Listen for free

Show artwork for Bright Spark

About the Podcast

Bright Spark
Driving innovation in energy networks
Why energy system innovation matters, for both consumers and the drive to net zero. We meet the brilliant teams pushing to transform UK energy networks, and showcase opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors and others to get involved, via Ofgem's Strategic Innovation Fund, delivered by Innovate UK. Series hosted by Innovate UK's Jodie Giles and team.