Gas Network Innovation Competition (RIIO-1)

The Gas Network Innovation Competition (NIC) was an annual opportunity for gas transmission and distribution network companies to compete for funding for the development of new technologies, operating and commercial arrangements. 

We allowed for up to £20 million of funding per year for innovative projects which help all network operators understand how to provide environmental benefits, reduce costs, and maintain security of supply as Great Britain (GB) moves to a low carbon economy. 

We awarded funding to the following companies:

• Cadent
• National Grid Gas (Transmission)
• Northern Gas Networks
• SGN

We closed the Gas NIC to new proposals with the ending of the RIIO-T1 and RIIO-GD1 price controls in March 2021. The RIIO-T2 and RIIO-GD2 price controls, which apply from April 2021, include a new mechanism called the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF).

You can see all publications relating to the Gas NIC and its qualifying projects in the list below.