Innovation Hub case studies
Reports, plans and updates
- Publication date
- Industry sector
- Supply and Retail Market
Ofgem’s Innovation Hub is a ‘one stop shop’ offering support on energy regulation to businesses looking to launch new products, services or business models.
The Hub has supported numerous innovators to progress their ideas through bespoke guidance. See the case studies of innovators who contacted the Hub for help grouped into categories below. Some innovators feature in more than one case study group because their business models touch on multiple activities and sectors.
For further information or to access our support please contact us by emailing InnovationHub@ofgem.gov.uk.
Behind-the-meter services
Powervault designs and manufactures smart energy storage systems for the home. They store solar energy and low-priced electricity from the grid to reduce household energy bills and increase energy efficiency.
Powervault is working with energy suppliers and National Grid to reduce dependency on fossil fuels by shifting energy demand away from peak times. Their aim is to help enable the uptake of electric vehicles and contribute to the UK’s transition to a low-carbon, decentralised energy network.
During the development of their third-generation battery, the ‘Powervault 3’, they approached the Innovation Link to help inform their market strategy and R&D. Powervault’s ambition is to achieve mass deployment, reaching not only ‘prosumers’ (generators and consumers of energy), but any domestic consumer. Their plan is to deploy sufficient batteries which, in aggregate, can provide system flexibility services.
The Innovation Link provided them with information about different supply models, how use of network charges operate and settlement considerations. Our feedback shaped their route to market strategy, informing their decision to partner with energy suppliers to market and sell their product.
In late 2018, Powervault partnered with EDF Energy; EDF’s Grid Services tariff subsidises the cost of ‘Powervault 3’ for domestic consumers. More recently Powervault has entered into a partnership with Kaluza ( OVO Group’s intelligent energy platform), to enable local grid operators to manage demand by tapping into Powervault’s in-built device flexibility. Powervault continues working to set up trials with other energy suppliers.
Commenting on the support from the Innovation Link, Powervault said:
“The regulatory support and insight gained from the Innovation Link team was invaluable, helping us to create a market-leading product and proposition by maximising the value and savings available from behind the meter storage in the UK”.
Read more about Powervault on their website.
Rebel Energy describes itself as an impact-minded licensed domestic energy supplier with a mission to combat fuel poverty and make the energy transition accessible to everyone. Its offer to customers includes fully renewable energy, options to offset carbon emissions, the latest technology to monitor home energy usage, and credit terms to households on low-incomes or at risk of fuel poverty. Working with partners, Rebel Energy also equips homes (managed by housing associations or private landlords), with solar PV and batteries. This additional service allows low-income households to generate and consume their own clean energy.
Rebel Energy first approached the Innovation Link in 2019 seeking to understand how regulations would impact its innovative supply offer. Thereafter Rebel sought clarity around offering renewable assets to social and private landlords, and flexibility trading.
Although Rebel’s progress was slowed by the challenges brought on by the global pandemic and volatile wholesale energy prices, since the end of 2021 its customer base has increased tenfold, from less than 300 to 3,000. Rebel intends to continue moving at a sustainable pace and protecting its customers.
Commenting on the Link’s support, Rebel Energy said:
“What the Innovation Link offered to us was an open and honest two-way conversation which we found extremely valuable as we developed our business model and how that could work within the current regulatory framework. The support we were given was over and beyond what we expected. We were blown away by the detail and consideration included in the Link’s feedback reports.”
Read more about Rebel Energy on their website.
Driven by its mission to ensure everyone can benefit from the energy transition, Trojan Energy has developed a first of its kind electric vehicle (EV) charger that, although located on a public pathway, can be powered by a householder’s domestic electricity supply. The ‘flat and flush’ charging technology is set into a pavement and is connected to the customer’s home via an underground cable. Trojan chargepoint owners are not the only ones who will benefit from this solution, as other EV drivers can use the on-street charger through a mobile app.
After receiving funding from the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and with support from Innovate UK, Trojan started installing the first five grid-powered changepoints on London pavements in July 2021. They approached the Innovation Link to clarify the regulations that would apply to their model, specifically around the resale of electricity from the chargepoint owner to other EV drivers.
An initial small trial in London helped Trojan identify critical engineering and digital platform improvements before larger-scale deployment. The Link’s feedback gave Trojan confidence that its business model is compliant with regulation. Trojan has now proceeded to the full trial phase which involves deploying 25 chargepoints in the London Borough of Brent, and across Oxfordshire.
Commenting on the support from the Link, Trojan Energy said:
“The support that we’ve had from the Innovation Link is nothing short of vital in making sure that we’re using the right business model and undertaking the right action for market participants and users. For us, it was crucial to get confidence that we have as many pairs of expert eyes as possible to look at our proposition to enable our business to grow on a large scale.“
Read more about Trojan Energy on their website.
Digital services
The founders of Youtility found the experience of dealing with multiple home utilities unnecessarily complicated and wanted to create an app “Youtility – Home Money Manager” to tackle this.
A product of Open Banking, the app allows users to connect different bank accounts, track spending and compare and switch energy providers in-app using an in-built switching tool. The main goal of the app is to save consumers time and money by allowing them to make more informed financial decisions within a single user experience.
Youtility were new to the energy sector and found it challenging to navigate the complex set of rules that make up the regulatory framework, including data protection and access to smart meter data. They contacted Innovation Link, recognising the Link would offer practical, accessible assistance.
Over a period of nearly a year, the Link provided several bespoke documents to Youtility as they developed their idea. A key piece of feedback revolved around accessing consumption data from a smart meter and the methods of doing this. This feedback was pivotal in enabling them to develop their business plan and development roadmap.
Youtility have now launched their iOS app with an in-built switching tool, as intended. The team received approval from the Financial Conduct Authority in August 2018 and are working in partnership with Citizens Advice.
Commenting on the support from Innovation Link, Youtility said
“It was invaluable being able to speak to different teams within Ofgem and we based a number of our key decisions on the back of Ofgem’s responses”.
Read more about Youtility on the Youtility website.
Energy efficiency
Robert Harris and Stan Whetstone developed OxypodTM, a patented unit (with no moving parts) that removes air from the water in any size of closed-loop heating or cooling system. OxypodTM focuses on improving the efficiency and durability of heating and cooling distribution systems.
Robert use his expertise of the geometry underpinning nature when designing OxypodTM; it is the unit’s geometric structure that allows for the removal of air from these systems. Robert and Stan are both committed to making a difference and have been supported by Goodwin Development Trust to bring OxypodTM to market. The Trust is a social enterprise committed to combatting poverty in Hull; working with the Trust means that OxypodTM has the opportunity of making a lasting environmental and social impact.
When exploring routes to market, Robert and Stan along with the Goodwin Development Trust contacted the Innovation Link. They were interested in gathering information about energy suppliers’ regulatory obligations that might provide a mechanism through which the installation of OxypodTM could be funded. They were also interested to know about other organisations that could provide support, financial or otherwise.
The Innovation Link provided them with information about the environmental schemes that Ofgem administers (like the Energy Company Obligation) and the Standards of Conduct which require suppliers to identify and understand the needs of domestic customers in vulnerable situations. We also provided them with feedback about other potential routes to market, including selling the OxypodTM directly to consumers or through suppliers.
Currently, they are awaiting the results of independent testing by Cambridge Architectural Research. Funded with a grant from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the research seeks to establish and qualify Oxypod’sTM air removal and energy saving capabilities. After testing is complete, the focus is likely to be on working with utility companies and manufacturers to bring the technology into the market place. There also exists the possibility of crowdfunding.
Commenting on the support from the Innovation Link, Robert said:
“The Innovation Link provided a non-commercial service which gave us direction about which choices might be appropriate for us, leading us to the possibility to establish a relationship with a utility supplier. We also applied for funding from BEIS as suggested by the Link, which we were lucky to get”
Electric vehicles
Developed by CrowdHouse Energy, Helios Volt® aims to transform car parks into sites for renewable energy generation by placing solar panels on top of canopies that cover walkways and parking spaces. It’s the world’s first canopy solution that’s assembled in the factory before being brought to site, reducing on-site disturbance and construction time by 70%.
The Helios Volt® system can be grid-connected or operate as an independent microgrid. Power generated by the canopy can be utilised for electric vehicle (EV) charging or even to supply nearby buildings. The Helios Volt® can be coupled with storage and, at times when solar generation is abundant, the intelligent management system can direct power to batteries for later use.
CrowdHouse reached out to the Innovation Link because they wanted to understand what regulatory considerations would apply to their business model. The Link helped them understand whether they would fall under the requirement to hold a supply licence, and specific issues related to microgrids and EV supply.
Officially launched in December 2021, CrowdHouse plans to begin factory assembly of Helios Volt® at the end of 2022. The product has already received interest from sites that have sizeable parking facilities, including hospitals and airports.
Commenting on the support from Innovation Link, CrowdHouse Energy said:
“The support received from the helpful team at Ofgem has given us a greater understanding around the regulatory requirements in our market sector, more specifically the generation and sale of private wire energy. With the knowledge of the team at Ofgem behind us we have been able to focus entirely on fine-tuning the design and financial modelling to ensure that our product serves as a powerful, low impact, sustainable alternative to grid supplied energy and other more traditional forms of onsite renewable energy generation”.
Read more about Helios Volt® on the CrowdHouse Energy website.
Liberty Global, parent company of the UK’s Virgin Media, is an international telecommunications company providing converged video, broadband and communications businesses. In 2019, the company, conscious of the country’s decarbonisation goals and the need to facilitate the uptake of electric vehicles, decided to enter the energy market with a trial project that utilises the existing network infrastructure of Virgin Media, to provide on-street electric vehicle charging points.
This is Liberty Global’s first endeavour in developing infrastructure for electric vehicle charging. Liberty Global see it as a natural move, considering they have most of the infrastructure in place and the experience of handling the communication needs of charging points. They expect that the communication needs for electric cars will grow significantly in the coming years.
It was during the development of the project that they approached the Innovation Link. Liberty Global was eager to develop a fast-track solution for distributing power to electric vehicle charging points. Although well informed, they required clarification on the regulatory obligations that would apply to their business model.
The Innovation Link provided them with information about energy supply and distribution rules. We shared insights about ‘unbundling rules’ in the energy sector and how third-party access rights work over private networks. Our feedback reassured Liberty Global they were on the right track and made them aware of other issues they should consider.
At the end of October 2019, Liberty Global, in partnership with Innovate UK, announced the first phase of the project, to deploy and operate 1,200 on-street electric vehicle charging points. Liberty Global is taking part in the project as part of a 19-strong consortium, working under the project name Virgin Media Park & Charge.
Commenting on the support from the Innovation Link, Liberty Global said:
“The regulatory environment often lags behind the innovation, making it difficult to have the reassurance you need to go forward with innovative business models. We were very pleased with the Innovation Link team who gave us very needed guidance in such an open and supportive way. Their insights made sure our project was able to materialise and will bring benefits to the UK society and economy.”
Read more about Liberty Global and Virgin Media Park & Charge in this website.
Driven by its mission to ensure everyone can benefit from the energy transition, Trojan Energy has developed a first of its kind electric vehicle (EV) charger that, although located on a public pathway, can be powered by a householder’s domestic electricity supply. The ‘flat and flush’ charging technology is set into a pavement and is connected to the customer’s home via an underground cable. Trojan chargepoint owners are not the only ones who will benefit from this solution, as other EV drivers can use the on-street charger through a mobile app.
After receiving funding from the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and with support from Innovate UK, Trojan started installing the first five grid-powered changepoints on London pavements in July 2021. They approached the Innovation Link to clarify the regulations that would apply to their model, specifically around the resale of electricity from the chargepoint owner to other EV drivers.
An initial small trial in London helped Trojan identify critical engineering and digital platform improvements before larger-scale deployment. The Link’s feedback gave Trojan confidence that its business model is compliant with regulation. Trojan has now proceeded to the full trial phase which involves deploying 25 chargepoints in the London Borough of Brent, and across Oxfordshire.
Commenting on the support from the Link, Trojan Energy said:
“The support that we’ve had from the Innovation Link is nothing short of vital in making sure that we’re using the right business model and undertaking the right action for market participants and users. For us, it was crucial to get confidence that we have as many pairs of expert eyes as possible to look at our proposition to enable our business to grow on a large scale.“
Read more about Trojan Energy on their website.
Flexibility services
Powervault designs and manufactures smart energy storage systems for the home. They store solar energy and low-priced electricity from the grid to reduce household energy bills and increase energy efficiency.
Powervault is working with energy suppliers and National Grid to reduce dependency on fossil fuels by shifting energy demand away from peak times. Their aim is to help enable the uptake of electric vehicles and contribute to the UK’s transition to a low-carbon, decentralised energy network.
During the development of their third-generation battery, the ‘Powervault 3’, they approached the Innovation Link to help inform their market strategy and R&D. Powervault’s ambition is to achieve mass deployment, reaching not only ‘prosumers’ (generators and consumers of energy), but any domestic consumer. Their plan is to deploy sufficient batteries which, in aggregate, can provide system flexibility services.
The Innovation Link provided them with information about different supply models, how use of network charges operate and settlement considerations. Our feedback shaped their route to market strategy, informing their decision to partner with energy suppliers to market and sell their product.
In late 2018, Powervault partnered with EDF Energy; EDF’s Grid Services tariff subsidises the cost of ‘Powervault 3’ for domestic consumers. More recently Powervault has entered into a partnership with Kaluza ( OVO Group’s intelligent energy platform), to enable local grid operators to manage demand by tapping into Powervault’s in-built device flexibility. Powervault continues working to set up trials with other energy suppliers.
Commenting on the support from the Innovation Link, Powervault said:
“The regulatory support and insight gained from the Innovation Link team was invaluable, helping us to create a market-leading product and proposition by maximising the value and savings available from behind the meter storage in the UK”.
Read more about Powervault on their website.
Solo Energy was founded by Mark Hamilton and Killian O’Connor with the ultimate goal of making renewable energy accessible and affordable to all. Mark and Killian want to see a fully decarbonised electricity system within their lifetime and aim to play a major part in the transition.
They both had significant experience in the renewables industry before they launched Solo in 2015. They now employ ten people and have been awarded significant funding from UK Research and Innovation, as part of a consortia for a project in the Orkney Islands.
Following Solo’s launch, the team quickly became interested in the Virtual Power Plant (VPP) concept. They needed guidance on how their VPP concept could work within the existent regulatory environment, so they approached the Innovation Link for support.
A VPP is a connected system of distributed batteries and electric vehicle charging for homes and businesses. Solo decided to use VPP for their ‘FlexiGrid’ platform focusing on battery storage to provide flexibility services to electricity suppliers, and had some questions for the Innovation Link on this.
The Link was able to offer guidance on what was possible within the current regulation, and helped Solo focus on target areas for growth. The Link also provided clarity to enable Solo to better demonstrate the benefits of their VPP model to their clients.
Additionally, the Link helped Solo understand how they would overcome some quite specific barriers, including grid constraints and the proposed changes to ‘Use of System’ charges.
Commenting on the support from the Link, Solo Energy said “We found engaging with Innovation Link really useful and we were pleasantly surprised with the level of thought and consideration given to our case”.
Local energy
Developed by CrowdHouse Energy, Helios Volt® aims to transform car parks into sites for renewable energy generation by placing solar panels on top of canopies that cover walkways and parking spaces. It’s the world’s first canopy solution that’s assembled in the factory before being brought to site, reducing on-site disturbance and construction time by 70%.
The Helios Volt® system can be grid-connected or operate as an independent microgrid. Power generated by the canopy can be utilised for electric vehicle (EV) charging or even to supply nearby buildings. The Helios Volt® can be coupled with storage and, at times when solar generation is abundant, the intelligent management system can direct power to batteries for later use.
CrowdHouse reached out to the Innovation Link because they wanted to understand what regulatory considerations would apply to their business model. The Link helped them understand whether they would fall under the requirement to hold a supply licence, and specific issues related to microgrids and EV supply.
Officially launched in December 2021, CrowdHouse plans to begin factory assembly of Helios Volt® at the end of 2022. The product has already received interest from sites that have sizeable parking facilities, including hospitals and airports.
Commenting on the support from Innovation Link, CrowdHouse Energy said:
“The support received from the helpful team at Ofgem has given us a greater understanding around the regulatory requirements in our market sector, more specifically the generation and sale of private wire energy. With the knowledge of the team at Ofgem behind us we have been able to focus entirely on fine-tuning the design and financial modelling to ensure that our product serves as a powerful, low impact, sustainable alternative to grid supplied energy and other more traditional forms of onsite renewable energy generation”.
Read more about Helios Volt® on the CrowdHouse Energy website.
Emergent’s goal is to make it simpler and cheaper for councils and residential property companies to decarbonise their homes while keeping bills affordable for residents. To do so, Emergent partners with these organisations to develop renewable energy microgrid projects that they sell to capital funders. Through their Solar4Flats solution, housing providers gain solar PV installations on their properties at no upfront cost, while residents get lower bills from being supplied on-site generated power.
Emergent was one of the first innovators to access the Innovation Link’s services. They made initial contact in 2016 seeking to clarify aspects of energy licensing and for informal confirmation that their approach met required consumer protection standards. As their model developed, Emergent encountered substantive barriers in relation to aspects of the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC). Emergent's primary concern was that domestic consumers on microgrid networks experience considerable difficulties if they want to switch energy suppliers. They viewed this as a consumer harm that needed addressing, and a barrier to the commercial viability of microgrids for existing homes.
Through their engagement with the Link, Emergent was awarded the first ever regulatory Sandbox derogation from parts of the BSC managed by industry body Elexon. The derogation enables Emergent to test a process that will make it easier and cheaper for households on microgrid networks to switch their energy supplier, allowing residential customers to access the competitive supply market more easily while unlocking the commercial potential for microgrids in existing homes.
Emergent’s innovative solution, enabled by this derogation, received financial backing from Innovate UK. Emergent is working with leading housing providers and, to this date, has delivered nine microgrid schemes across England.
Commenting on the support from the Link, Emergent said:
“Many aspects of retail market regulation hold back new business model that could save carbon emissions and reduce consumer bills. The ability to demonstrate new BSC arrangements live within the marketplace has been essential for the commercial viability of our new business model.”
Read more about Emergent on their website.
Solo Energy was founded by Mark Hamilton and Killian O’Connor with the ultimate goal of making renewable energy accessible and affordable to all. Mark and Killian want to see a fully decarbonised electricity system within their lifetime and aim to play a major part in the transition.
They both had significant experience in the renewables industry before they launched Solo in 2015. They now employ ten people and have been awarded significant funding from UK Research and Innovation, as part of a consortia for a project in the Orkney Islands.
Following Solo’s launch, the team quickly became interested in the Virtual Power Plant (VPP) concept. They needed guidance on how their VPP concept could work within the existent regulatory environment, so they approached the Innovation Link for support.
A VPP is a connected system of distributed batteries and electric vehicle charging for homes and businesses. Solo decided to use VPP for their ‘FlexiGrid’ platform focusing on battery storage to provide flexibility services to electricity suppliers, and had some questions for the Innovation Link on this.
The Link was able to offer guidance on what was possible within the current regulation, and helped Solo focus on target areas for growth. The Link also provided clarity to enable Solo to better demonstrate the benefits of their VPP model to their clients.
Additionally, the Link helped Solo understand how they would overcome some quite specific barriers, including grid constraints and the proposed changes to ‘Use of System’ charges.
Commenting on the support from the Link, Solo Energy said “We found engaging with Innovation Link really useful and we were pleasantly surprised with the level of thought and consideration given to our case”.
UrbanChain is a peer-to-peer (P2P) local energy system developer on a mission to enable a more efficient, low carbon energy market accessible to all. By combining artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, UrbanChain allows its customers, which vary from corporates to housing associations and independent micro-generators, to exchange energy with each other. UrbanChain’s P2P model operates in tandem with their customers' standard supply arrangements, providing income to participants for excess power they export.
UrbanChain has been engaging with the Link since 2016, the early stages of the company’s development. Set up by a team of data scientists, UrbanChain initially approached the Link to test the viability of different business propositions in the energy market, later seeking insights into the operation of wholesale and retail electricity markets and regulatory options for supplying power to consumers.
The Link’s advice has helped UrbanChain navigate the complex energy system and grow from a small start-up to a company with forecast revenue of £1.4 million in 2021. In September 2021, UrbanChain onboarded two hotels onto its P2P scheme, enabling them to secure affordable green energy and achieve carbon neutrality. UrbanChain has also received interest from potential customers in Europe, North America and India and is currently exploring opportunities to expand abroad.
Commenting on the support from the Innovation Link, UrbanChain said:
“Without the Link, we wouldn’t be here - this is a fact. Continued support from the Link has been very useful, and they helped us each time we came back with new questions. I feel that the Innovation Link has been our door to accessing the wider Ofgem network and other stakeholders.”
Read more about UrbanChain on their website.
Retail innovation
Emergent’s goal is to make it simpler and cheaper for councils and residential property companies to decarbonise their homes while keeping bills affordable for residents. To do so, Emergent partners with these organisations to develop renewable energy microgrid projects that they sell to capital funders. Through their Solar4Flats solution, housing providers gain solar PV installations on their properties at no upfront cost, while residents get lower bills from being supplied on-site generated power.
Emergent was one of the first innovators to access the Innovation Link’s services. They made initial contact in 2016 seeking to clarify aspects of energy licensing and for informal confirmation that their approach met required consumer protection standards. As their model developed, Emergent encountered substantive barriers in relation to aspects of the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC). Emergent's primary concern was that domestic consumers on microgrid networks experience considerable difficulties if they want to switch energy suppliers. They viewed this as a consumer harm that needed addressing, and a barrier to the commercial viability of microgrids for existing homes.
Through their engagement with the Link, Emergent was awarded the first ever regulatory Sandbox derogation from parts of the BSC managed by industry body Elexon. The derogation enables Emergent to test a process that will make it easier and cheaper for households on microgrid networks to switch their energy supplier, allowing residential customers to access the competitive supply market more easily while unlocking the commercial potential for microgrids in existing homes.
Emergent’s innovative solution, enabled by this derogation, received financial backing from Innovate UK. Emergent is working with leading housing providers and, to this date, has delivered nine microgrid schemes across England.
Commenting on the support from the Link, Emergent said:
“Many aspects of retail market regulation hold back new business model that could save carbon emissions and reduce consumer bills. The ability to demonstrate new BSC arrangements live within the marketplace has been essential for the commercial viability of our new business model.”
Read more about Emergent on their website.
Rebel Energy describes itself as an impact-minded licensed domestic energy supplier with a mission to combat fuel poverty and make the energy transition accessible to everyone. Its offer to customers includes fully renewable energy, options to offset carbon emissions, the latest technology to monitor home energy usage, and credit terms to households on low-incomes or at risk of fuel poverty. Working with partners, Rebel Energy also equips homes (managed by housing associations or private landlords), with solar PV and batteries. This additional service allows low-income households to generate and consume their own clean energy.
Rebel Energy first approached the Innovation Link in 2019 seeking to understand how regulations would impact its innovative supply offer. Thereafter Rebel sought clarity around offering renewable assets to social and private landlords, and flexibility trading.
Although Rebel’s progress was slowed by the challenges brought on by the global pandemic and volatile wholesale energy prices, since the end of 2021 its customer base has increased tenfold, from less than 300 to 3,000. Rebel intends to continue moving at a sustainable pace and protecting its customers.
Commenting on the Link’s support, Rebel Energy said:
“What the Innovation Link offered to us was an open and honest two-way conversation which we found extremely valuable as we developed our business model and how that could work within the current regulatory framework. The support we were given was over and beyond what we expected. We were blown away by the detail and consideration included in the Link’s feedback reports.”
Read more about Rebel Energy on their website.
Sarah Merrick founded Ripple Energy in January 2017 to give consumers a simple and affordable way to own part of a wind farm. Ripple Energy’s idea is to establish a Community Benefit Society (CBS), allowing all members to jointly fund the setup of an onshore wind farm. Members across Great Britain can then benefit from lower power costs.
Sarah wasn’t new to the energy industry when she came up with this idea; she had worked in the renewable energy sector for 17 years. Despite her vast knowledge and experience, Sarah realised she needed some support navigating the complex rules that constitute the regulatory framework. Sarah contacted the Innovation Link describing her business idea and requesting our regulatory guidance.
Ripple Energy’s initial idea has evolved since its inception and the Link has supported them in their journey over a period of 18 months. We’ve provided a number of bespoke documents for them – some very detailed, some quick and to the point.
An initial idea was for Ripple Energy to act as an electricity supplier through a white label arrangement with an existing licensed supplier. We provided Ripple with guidance, describing the regulation behind this concept, as well as more extensive information on the obligations of domestic electricity supply. Ripple Energy gained clarity on regulatory requirements and arrangements, but most importantly, the feedback gave them confidence in their approach, energising them to continue to develop their business proposition.
In April 2019, Ripple Energy launched a crowdfunding campaign with investment platform Seedrs. Their aim is to raise at least £750,000 for 23% of the company, with people able to invest as little as £10 or as much as £1mn. The investment will also help the business market its first pilot wind farm project later in 2019, followed by a full-scale wind farm in early 2020.
Commenting on the support from the Link, Ripple Energy said
“The Innovation Link is really helpful, and it is great to have a specific team focusing on innovation across the market. The work they do gathering information on what innovators need, and what they require from the regulator is very important”
Read more about Ripple Energy on the Ripple Energy website.
UrbanChain is a peer-to-peer (P2P) local energy system developer on a mission to enable a more efficient, low carbon energy market accessible to all. By combining artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, UrbanChain allows its customers, which vary from corporates to housing associations and independent micro-generators, to exchange energy with each other. UrbanChain’s P2P model operates in tandem with their customers' standard supply arrangements, providing income to participants for excess power they export.
UrbanChain has been engaging with the Link since 2016, the early stages of the company’s development. Set up by a team of data scientists, UrbanChain initially approached the Link to test the viability of different business propositions in the energy market, later seeking insights into the operation of wholesale and retail electricity markets and regulatory options for supplying power to consumers.
The Link’s advice has helped UrbanChain navigate the complex energy system and grow from a small start-up to a company with forecast revenue of £1.4 million in 2021. In September 2021, UrbanChain onboarded two hotels onto its P2P scheme, enabling them to secure affordable green energy and achieve carbon neutrality. UrbanChain has also received interest from potential customers in Europe, North America and India and is currently exploring opportunities to expand abroad.
Commenting on the support from the Innovation Link, UrbanChain said:
“Without the Link, we wouldn’t be here - this is a fact. Continued support from the Link has been very useful, and they helped us each time we came back with new questions. I feel that the Innovation Link has been our door to accessing the wider Ofgem network and other stakeholders.”
Read more about UrbanChain on their website.
The founders of Youtility found the experience of dealing with multiple home utilities unnecessarily complicated and wanted to create an app “Youtility – Home Money Manager” to tackle this.
A product of Open Banking, the app allows users to connect different bank accounts, track spending and compare and switch energy providers in-app using an in-built switching tool. The main goal of the app is to save consumers time and money by allowing them to make more informed financial decisions within a single user experience.
Youtility were new to the energy sector and found it challenging to navigate the complex set of rules that make up the regulatory framework, including data protection and access to smart meter data. They contacted Innovation Link, recognising the Link would offer practical, accessible assistance.
Over a period of nearly a year, the Link provided several bespoke documents to Youtility as they developed their idea. A key piece of feedback revolved around accessing consumption data from a smart meter and the methods of doing this. This feedback was pivotal in enabling them to develop their business plan and development roadmap.
Youtility have now launched their iOS app with an in-built switching tool, as intended. The team received approval from the Financial Conduct Authority in August 2018 and are working in partnership with Citizens Advice.
Commenting on the support from Innovation Link, Youtility said
“It was invaluable being able to speak to different teams within Ofgem and we based a number of our key decisions on the back of Ofgem’s responses”.
Read more about Youtility on the Youtility website.
Upstream services
EnQuest is an integrated energy company that focuses on optimising production from mature late-life oil and gas assets. Where possible, EnQuest repurposes existing oil and gas infrastructure to deliver renewable energy and decarbonisation projects, including carbon storage, electrification and green hydrogen.
EnQuest approached Innovation Link in 2022 to discuss its plans for electrifying assets from its oil and gas terminal located on Shetland. EnQuest sought to understand whether its interpretation of the Electricity Act was correct, specifically if EnQuest would require a transmission licence to connect an onshore windfarm with an offshore oil and gas platform. The Innovation Link provided EnQuest with information on the licensing requirements and explained other potential regulatory issues that EnQuest should consider.
The company continues utilising its expertise to progress a number of significant energy transition projects from their Sullom Voe oil and gas terminal on Shetland, including a feasibility study to assess generating green hydrogen-based fuels to support decarbonisation of local, regional and national industries, and the development of a carbon storage hub to receive carbon dioxide from isolated emitters in the UK and further afield.
Commenting on the support from the Innovation Link, EnQuest said:
“I genuinely thought it was great, quick and efficient service that provided clarity to our questions”.
Read more about EnQuest and their projects on the Enquest website.