Northern Powergrid is proving that the future of energy isn’t just about bigger wires – it’s about smarter thinking. The network operator has secured a double-shot of funding from Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) to propel two projects that sound like science fiction but are rapidly becoming regional reality: Project VOLT and Power Wheels.
Between them, these initiatives represent a nearly £1 million investment in ‘flexibility’ –the energy sector’s favorite buzzword for making sure the lights stay on without costing the Earth.
From Runways to Riverbanks: Project VOLT
Project VOLT is exploring ‘microgrids’ – self-sufficient energy ecosystems that blend renewables, storage, and hydrogen with smart controls. Backed by £500,000 to move into its proof-of-concept phase, the project is stress-testing these systems at the North East’s most vital hubs, including Newcastle Airport and the Port of Tyne.
By partnering with heavyweights like Newcastle University and EDF, Northern Powergrid is essentially building a ‘safety net’ for critical infrastructure, ensuring that even if the wider world goes dark, our ports and planes keep moving on clean, localised power.
Power to the People: The ‘Virtual Power Plant’
While VOLT handles the infrastructure, Power Wheels is getting personal. With £490,000 in fresh funding, this project – a collaboration with Motability Operations – looks at the electric vehicle (EV) as more than just a way to get from A to B. It reimagines the EV as a ‘battery on wheels’.
The premise is ingenious: by linking Motability Scheme vehicles together, they form a ‘virtual power plant’. These cars can store energy when it’s cheap and share it back when the grid is stressed. For customers, especially those with health conditions who rely on a constant power supply, this isn’t just about lowering bills – it’s about the peace of mind that their car could keep their home running during an outage.
The Expert Take
“Flexibility is an innovation priority for us,” says Duncan Oliphant of Northern Powergrid. “It’s about driving meaningful change toward a system that is as reliable as it is resilient.”
Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability Operations, adds that for many disabled drivers, the EV transition must protect independence.
“Projects like Power Wheels allow us to explore how EVs could support our customers beyond mobility – from managing costs to improving resilience – while keeping accessibility front and centre.”
