Welcome to SSEN Distribution’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) webpage.

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) is designed to drive the innovation needed to transform gas and electricity networks for a low-carbon future. For SSEN Distribution, it is a key funding tool which will support our journey to Net Zero within our current price control which we entered in April 2023, ultimately ensuring we are preparing our network for a low-carbon future.

OFGEM’S SIF Vision:

• To find and fund ambitious, innovative projects which can help shape the future of the energy networks and accelerate the transition to Net Zero, at lowest cost to consumers.
• To help transform the UK into the ‘Silicon Valley’ of energy, making it the best place to be a) an energy consumer and b) an energy entrepreneur.
• Delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, the SIF programme taps into the best of UK and international innovation whilst aligning with other public innovation funding for the benefit of network users and consumers.

The funding was launched by OFGEM in 2021 and is expected to invest £450 million by 2026, with the option to increase and extend as necessary.

As we enter our next price control, RIIO-ED2, the funding has now been made available to distribution network companies. The funding mechanism is also in place for the Electricity System Operator, electricity transmission, gas transmission and gas distribution companies, working in partnerships with other innovators.

Further detail, and a short introductory video can be found here – Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) | Ofgem