Digitalising Energy Flexibility Programme

Energy Systems Catapult and Digital Catapult have partnered to explore the groundwork for a UK-wide initiative to accelerate a digitalised, flexible, net-zero energy system. This project aims to address critical challenges in the deployment of energy flexibility by developing innovative resources and establishing the next phase of support to innovators to drive long-term change.

The challenge

Flexibility in the energy system is key to achieving tens of billions in annual cost savings by 2050 (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero). However, the current system is fragmented, complex and siloed creating significant barriers to innovation. Policymakers and innovators alike face challenges from rapid technological advancements, unclear paths of funding and limited access to integrated tools and frameworks.

The solution

This project will explore how innovative tooling and programme design can enable multi-vector energy flexibility while addressing barriers to entry for innovators. By developing a ‘digital toolkit’ and complementary acceleration support, the initiative will help to reduce uncertainty, foster collaboration, and build a thriving marketplace essential for achieving the UK’s clean power 2030 and net zero 2050 goals.

The project seeks to address how innovators can de-risk their entry into the UK energy sector and build on the ongoing investments in digital infrastructure, in addition to understanding how to attract more UK deep tech innovators to help solve flexibility challenges.

The Digitalising Energy Flexibility programme will tackle the technical and social challenges faced by innovators in navigating a heavily regulated industry, enabling innovators to identify critical touchpoints and forge the collaborations necessary for success.  

The project utilises the complementary strengths of Digital Catapult and Energy Systems Catapult – combining extensive knowledge of challenges in the energy sector and flexibility systems with advanced insights into deep tech to attract and support innovators entering the energy market. 

This programme aims to:  

• Attract and support deep tech innovators in the energy sector.  

• Enable cost savings and efficiencies that contribute to the UK’s net zero targets.  

• Create a framework for ongoing innovation, collaboration, and market growth.  

By addressing the challenges and opportunities of energy flexibility through a coordinated, innovative approach, this project positions the UK as a global leader in the transition to a net zero energy future.