Plans to develop the first joint network innovation strategy to increase local renewable energy generation, battery storage and a smarter energy grid system have been published.
The strategy sets out a number of progressive options to reduce CO2 emissions.
Proposals include the use of low carbon gases, innovative 2-grid electric vehicle projects and smarter home heating systems.
There are also plans to improve the UK grid and battery storage systems currently in place, parts of which have had difficulty distributing renewable energy or storing it for use elsewhere.
The report sets out how companies will work towards two joint strategic aims – a Gas Network Innovation Strategy and an Electricity Network Innovation Strategy.
Each strategy will look closely at how it can provide value for money for consumers while also being fit for integration into day to day operations.
The companies involved will hold consultations in London, Glasgow and Telford before submitting the strategies to Ofgem on the March 31, 2018.
David Smith, chief executive of Energy Networks Association, said: “Network companies are already using innovation projects to drive forward network performance, deliver better value for money and find new ways to harness the potential of energy technologies. These strategies will ensure that both the networks and the customers get the most out of those projects.
“But that is only one side of the network innovation coin. The other side is about how we harness the potential of energy technologies to enable new markets and provide new opportunities for consumers to have greater control of their energy bills and reduce their costs.
“Whether they are the end-user, a technology developer or a service provider, we want the widest possible range of stakeholders to have the opportunity to take part in this process.”
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