A word from our CEO
Mark Horsley Chief Executive Officer Northern Gas Networks
From developing new energy solutions to improving the way we work, innovation helps us explore ideas that could transform how we operate in the future while strengthening the support we provide to customers who need extra help to stay safe and warm.
Funding from Ofgem, through the Network Innovation Allowance (NIA), the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) and Net Zero And Re-opener Development Use It Or Lose it (NZARD UIOLI) fund, remains essential in making this possible. It gives us the backing to explore new ideas, trial new approaches and turn learning into improvements that directly impact our customers and the planet.
Over the past year, we’ve continued to focus on what the future of energy could look like and how we get there. That includes exploring the role of biomethane in decarbonising heavy transport, advancing our East Coast Hydrogen programme to connect industry with low-carbon energy, and investigating hydrogen storage to create a more flexible energy system.
We've also launched our Navigator planning tool, using it to help shape local net zero decisions, while delivering practical operational changes to cut emissions from pipeline commissioning. Alongside this, we’ve developed new, inclusive ways to communicate with digitally excluded customers - ensuring no one is left behind as the energy system evolves.
As we move into the new RIIO-GD3 period, innovation continues to help us deliver a safe and reliable gas service today, while also preparing for a lower carbon energy future, improving our operations and supporting customers who rely on us most.
I hope you find this report interesting and insightful. If you’d like to know more, or work with us on future ideas, please get in touch with our Innovation team.
