NGET talking Transmission

In episode 15 of the Innovation podcast, Linwei Chen, Innovation Engineer talks about researching innovative technologies for National Grid’s substation protection and control systems. Linwei shares his three innovation portfolio challenges:Reducing the costs associated with the whole life-cycle for protection and control systems; Ensuring a cyber resilient operational system; andMitigating the impacts of low inertia and low fault levels on protection and control.

In episode 14 of the innovation podcast, Tom Charton, Innovation Engineer talks about National Grid’s research in the area of protection and control to keep evolving our technology to deliver a network fit for the future. Tom also outlines some of the specifics of working with stakeholders and how that is helping us to achieve Electricity Transmission's aim of continuing to deliver cost-effective networks.

In episode 13 of the podcast, Qi Li, Innovation Engineer, talks about his role in the Electricity Innovation team, researching and developing high voltage switchgear (circuit breaker and isolators) and his work investigating alternative gases to replace SF6 as an insulator. Qi also touches on his work leading our research into the electric and magnetic field of overhead lines.  

The best innovation takes place through open sharing and collaboration and allowing new ideas to develop. As the energy landscape changes and our society's environmental milestones get closer, the importance of continuing to develop creative relationships with current partners and friends from across industries becomes of increasing importance.  Amrit Sehmbi, innovation engineer, talks about her role in helping to grow stakeholder relationships to drive our decarbonisation goals, while delivering a cost effective network for customers and end-consumers for the decades to come. 

Our overhead lines are probably the most recognisable assets of National Grid’s Electricity Transmission business. Finding innovative, low-cost, low-carbon ways to safely maintain and replace them is critical to the future of the energy network.Ben Muncey, Innovation Engineer, discusses the current research and future opportunities for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to help us to continue delivering a reliable network for customers and end-consumers for the decades to come.

2018 saw UK carbon emissions hit their lowest level since World War 2; the last quarter saw fossil fuels command a record low 41% of the power mix, down from 74% in the same quarter of 2010; and renewable generation records keep toppling, as we started to string together coal-free days for the first time since the Industrial Revolution.2019, looks to be an exciting year for the industry, full of challenges and new records. What does the year ahead hold for Electricity Transmission? David Wright, Director of National Grid Electricity Transmission  shares his views and ambitions for delivering a low-cost, low-carbon network for customers and end-users for 2019.

2018 has been a year of progress for the way we bring innovation to the transmission network. As Chief Electricity Engineer and Director of Electricity Transmission, David Wright knows the impact engineering advancements can have for the energy industry. In this episode, David talks about the innovation challenges of the past twelve months, including electric vehicles, heat reclamation and how a Mars mission can inspire and help us to build the energy network of the future. 

High-voltage innovation involves making the transmission and conversion of electrical power more efficient, so that less power is lost between the source and the end equipment. It involves researching and developing the new whilst also nurturing and maximising the value of the assets on the networks. These innovations complement changes in electricity generation, such as introducing renewable energy sources, as well as energy-saving improvements in consuming equipment such as motors and refrigeration units. The result is a steady rise in power efficiency that saves money and helps reduce the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.Wound assets are critical components of the electricity delivery system. Their failure can interrupt electricity service to a large number of customers and replacing them quickly can be difficult and costly.  In this 8th episode of our podcast, Oli provides us with an overview of his innovation programme in this area, his challenges ideas and visions.What do you think?

As the use of power electronics on the electricity transmission network increases, it is important that the industry develops the technology to continue providing stable supplies to customers. This becomes especially relevant as we move to alternative energy sources, such as solar, that may fluctuate over time. In this episode, Robin Gupta, Innovation Engineer in Electricity Transmission, outlines some of the challenges of using power electronics and offers his thoughts on the way that digitalisation is going to change the network.

Small and medium businesses account for a large percentage of UK companies. They are the backbone of our economy, driving growth, opening new markets and creating jobs. Their contribution is vital.  As seedbeds for innovation, they encourage competition and bring fresh ideas that challenge the status quo. This stimulus in turn incentivises others to adapt. In short, small businesses are good for our economy and should be supported to ensure they can deliver their full potential.As a UK business, we believe we have a role to play in supporting and encouraging SMEs to innovate by nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem and encouraging greater growth ambition and innovation. In this podcast, Christine Gunter, Electricity Transmission Innovation Manager, talks about what we are doing to develop and growth these relationships. 

Resilience is a complex and multifaceted concept applied to dealing with different kinds and severities of risk, shock, stress and environmental change. In episode 5 of the innovation podcast, David Wright, Director of Electricity Transmission, talks about resiliency and how the successful design of a resilient network requires a broad systems perspective, coupled to understanding how our always switched-on lifestyles are increasing the demand for electricity.

In this episode IIiana Portugues, Head of NGET innovation talks about the way innovation is funded in the business, provides a quick overview of the innovation strategy and where to find further information and get in touch to discuss ideas.

If you understand the customer problem you dramatically improve your odds of successful innovation. Clayton Christensen, author of The Innovator’s Dilemma, underscores this point when he encourages innovators to understand the jobs a customer needs to get done. In this podcast we explore our customer journey with David Wright, Director of Electricity Transmission, and Hêdd Roberts, Head of Customer solutions.

We welcomed David Wright, Director of Electricity Transmission back to the podcast again. In this episode, David talks in detail about the impact that digitalisation is having and is going to have on electricity networks. Taking the example of electric cars, he explores how we need the right enabling frameworks in place. Touching on the importance of simplifying the customer experience the podcast is an opportunity to find out about embracing new business models for utility companies. Talking about the change “Whether you call it disruption or a refresh, it’s where National Grid is focussing its efforts

In this first episode of talking Transmission, Mark Hancock interviews our director and Global Chief Electricity Engineer, David Wright, on his views of the present state of the electricity transmission industry and the increased use of data and technology to manage the grid.

Welcome to the pilot episode of the innovation podcast. We want this podcast to be a place for you to get some insights into our work and to generate some talking points for feedback. Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and any suggestions you might have for future episodes.