Rhian Kelly on how innovation and technology is driving the clean energy transition

How does nature and the environment impact the industry and why is National Grid working to improve its impact?  

As one of the largest investors in the energy transition in the FTSE, we are acutely aware of the impact of infrastructure on the local environment and are applying best practice to minimise the impact of construction projects as we maintain and expand the electricity network.   

In the UK, one of the ways we do this is through Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). We were early adopters of the 10% BNG across our transmission construction projects in England and have gone one step further committing to a net gain of 10% on our non-operational land in our Uk transmission business by 2026.   

For example, our work includes replenishing carbon sinks and enhancing wetlands local to some of our new infrastructure. We also have a programme of activity to support and enhance the natural environment at our existing sites, including the creation of wildflower meadows and collaboration with environmental charities to establish five education facilities located across the country. These centres support the local communities in which we operate, providing educational tools and building skills as well as offering recreational activities.   

What steps is your company taking to ensure it has the skilled workforce needed to drive the energy transition forward? 

The energy transition presents a huge opportunity to unlock homegrown skills and talent across a broad range of roles from cable jointers and engineers to project managers and cyber professionals. Our strategy is focused on attracting, training and developing a diverse and skilled workforce that we will need over the coming years and beyond.  

Over the last five years, we have more than doubled entries into our early careers programmes and have developed new training approaches that blend digital, instructor-led learning with on-the-job training to reduce the time it takes to qualify. We have also incorporated virtual and augmented reality into our training programmes to help build knowledge and enhance practical learning.  

We are also working with schools to inspire the next generation of energy leaders. At our London Power Tunnels project, for example, we have partnered with Connectr, a social enterprise, that supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. To date, the programme has engaged over 130,000 young people with career talks, STEM workshops and virtual work experience.  

How can technology and innovation support a clean energy future?  

Innovation will be critical to the success and pace of the energy transition; driving efficiencies to maximise existing infrastructure and pushing the boundaries of what is currently possible. In 2018, we launched National Grid Partners in Silicon Valley. Since then, we have invested $500 million in almost 50 companies.  

Innovative solutions are already being deployed to boost efficiencies and help accelerate progress. We’re not just building new infrastructure, we are getting the most out of the existing grid too, investing and implementing innovative solutions to boost efficiencies and help to accelerate progress. 

For example, we are investing in high performance conductors from TS Conductors, which can triple the capacity of cables and reduce line losses. We are investing in LineVision for real-time monitoring of our transmission lines to help bring more power online and support growing demand. We’re also looking at how Electric Vehicles can support grid management and enhance grid resilience through Virtual Power Plants.  

What is your proudest achievement so far this year and what is the main challenge you will be focusing on in the year ahead?  

I’m proud of our second Climate Transition Plan which was published at the end of May and sets out our new near-term emissions reduction targets, aligned with a 1.5-degree pathway. It details how we plan to achieve these targets and get to net zero by 2050, as well as the actions we are already taking across our business today.  It also sets out the things we need from policymakers and regulator to help us achieve our targets.  

Looking ahead, the greatest impact National Grid can have on the clean energy transition is in building the necessary infrastructure to support the decarbonisation of the energy system. To that end, in May, we announced a £60bn investment plan over the next five years to progress the energy transition and support the decarbonisation of the economy in the UK and northeast America. The delivery of this new infrastructure will enable the digital, electrified economies of the future and I’m incredibly proud to be part of that. 

What did you learn at the Climate Action Innovation Zone and how did it support your mission? 

Despite being a much smaller COP, the business presence was significant. It was great to see grids front and centre of the conversation this year, highlighting their vital role in achieving global clean energy goals. Grids however weren’t the only theme of this year’s event. We had the opportunity to discuss AI, how we use it at National Grid, and share solutions about managing increasing electricity demand from AI and data centres. We participated in discussions around developing a robust supply chain, how to scale low carbon innovation and the bringing together of climate and nature. One of my biggest takeaways, however, is the business momentum for delivering net zero. Conversations are increasingly focused on practical implementation where we can usefully share what we’re doing and learn from others to bring ideas back into the business. 

This is exactly why these events are such an important part of the global calendar. Enabling conversation, the sharing of ideas and solutions on a global scale is exactly what the energy industry needs to accelerate the energy transition and the growth it will deliver.