The University of Strathclyde and SP Energy Networks have agreed a multi-year strategic innovation partnership to accelerate the UK’s transition to a smarter, more resilient power system that can deliver on ambitious Net Zero targets.
The agreement will provide structured funding to drive large-scale, high-impact programmes of work aligned to SP Energy Networks’ key focus areas.
The partnership builds on more than three decades of joint innovation and will cover all of SP Energy Networks’ businesses – from distribution to transmission – and will focus on programmes across critical areas of power system analysis, low carbon technology integration, and industrial informatics.
These themes reflect SP Energy Networks’ strategic priorities and build on the University’s proven track record of delivering innovation impact, including flagship initiatives such as the ENSIGN Prosperity Partnership.
The partnership model is designed to:
- Direct academic research and knowledge exchange into targeted areas of strategic importance to SP Energy Networks.
- Support SP Energy Networks’ analytical and innovation capabilities, through leveraging expertise and project opportunities across both partners.
- Enhance SP Energy Networks’ engineering expertise in critical areas through specialist training and investment in accredited qualifications such as PhDs.
Strathclyde’s Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) – where SP Energy Networks has been a founding partner for over a decade – will play a central role in de-risking and validating new technologies, while the partnership will strengthen the engineering talent pipeline through PhD studentships, placements and secondments.
Professor Stephen McArthur, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, said: “Our collaboration with SP Energy Networks is a prime example of academic and industry collaboration to drive meaningful change. Through this partnership, we’ll advance cutting-edge research and deliver innovations that directly support the UK’s net zero ambitions.”
Graham Campbell, SP Energy Networks’ Director of Network Planning & Regulation, said: “This partnership is a game-changer for energy innovation in the UK and beyond. Working closely with the University of Strathclyde, we’ll deliver solutions that address today’s needs and future-proof our networks for generations.”