National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) has strengthened its links with leading universities to help build a cleaner, more resilient electricity network and support the UK’s transition to net zero.
The company has formed innovation partnerships with ten academic institutions for the 2026-2031 RIIO-T3 price control period. The collaborations will bring specialist research and expertise into projects focused on developing practical solutions for the future energy system.
The initiative comes as NGET prepares to invest up to £31 billion in the electricity transmission network between 2026 and 2031. The programme is expected to enable the connection of 35GW of new generation and storage and support growing electricity demand.
Research will focus on advanced engineering, digital technologies and low-emission solutions that can help reduce carbon emissions while improving network reliability and affordability.
Projects include developing new power electronics to increase grid capacity and resilience, accelerating digital transformation and creating technologies that support energy system decarbonisation.
The partnerships also build on existing work to replace high-carbon insulating gases in transmission equipment and improve the lifespan of critical infrastructure through advanced monitoring technologies.
Neil McClymont, Head of Innovation at National Grid Electricity Transmission, said: “Working closely with universities across the UK is a vital part of how we turn new ideas into real-world solutions for the electricity network.”
Professor Malcolm Press CBE DL, at Universities UK, added: “Energy security and the transition to clean power are among the biggest challenges of our time and this announcement demonstrates the critical role universities have to play through their research and innovation.”
The expanded partnerships underline the growing importance of collaboration in delivering a secure, affordable and low-carbon electricity system for the future.
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