Networks Reimagined: Driving innovation for a future energy system

Networks Reimagined: Driving innovation for a future energy system

From Bright Spark by Innovate UK

May 13, 2026 · 40 min · Episode 25

About this episode

Jodie discusses innovative approaches to energy systems with industry leaders Marzia Zafar and Laura Sandys CBE.

In this episode Jodie talks to Marzia Zafar, Deputy Director for Digitalisation and Innovation at Ofgem, and Laura Sandys CBE, Chair of the Energy Network Innovation Taskforce, about the SIF’s new programmatic approach to delivering transformational Innovation in the next five year price control. The programmatic approach has two aspects: Firstly, the Energy Network Innovation Taskforce brought together industry innovation teams and leaders from the energy network sector and beyond. Their role: to identify ambitious, long-term and outcome driven challenges to bring strategic focus to the SIF for the five-year RIIO-3 price control period. Secondly, the introduction of Innovation Delivery Groups to provide a collaboration framework across networks for addressing these Innovation Challenges and ensure accountability to deliver outcomes that reflect customer needs alongside economic growth. Listen to the conversation to find out more. · The identified challenges have been published in the ‘Networks Reimagined: Driving innovation for a future energy system’ report - read here · Find out more about the SIF on the Innovate UK Business Connect webpage · Sign up to Innovate UK’s regular…

People in this episode

Host: Jodie

Guests: Marzia Zafar, Laura Sandys CBE

Topics covered

  • energy innovation
  • digitalisation
  • collaboration
  • customer needs
  • economic growth
  • price control

Keywords

  • energy networks
  • innovation challenges
  • SIF program
  • RIIO-3
  • collaboration framework
  • transformational innovation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ofgem, Energy Network Innovation Taskforce, SIF, Innovate UK, Innovate UK Business Connect

Books & works: Networks Reimagined: Driving innovation for a future energy system

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