Our Projects

Smart meters are the next generation of gas and electricity meters, offering the ability for people to measure their home energy consumption on a daily basis so they can monitor their energy usage better. In line with National Grid’s commitment to safeguard the environment for future generations, our OnStream business has a project to deliver dual fuel (gas and electricity) smart metering capabilities. We have also developed new smart electricity and gas meters with an innovative communications platform at their core.

To be an innovative leader in energy debate we are investing in research and development. In 2009 a new National Grid Power Systems Research Centre opened at the University of Manchester, with two new laboratories which are designed to support research into the reduction of electricity consumption and the development of renewable energy, energy storage and clean technology. The University is already home to the National Grid High Voltage Research Centre, which is the largest university-based facility of its type in the UK.

In March 2007 National Grid signed contracts, worth up to £2.5 billion over five years, to upgrade and develop the electricity transmission network across England and Wales. This is the largest ever alliance partnership for National Grid and represents a significant part of National Grid’s planned investment to maintain safe and secure supplies of energy to the UK.

These collaborative contracts will support connecting new infrastructure such as wind farms and other new types of generating plants, and replacement of existing assets to ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of the high voltage electricity network. This significant investment demonstrates our commitment to maintaining a robust transmission network. It will also help secure clean, affordable energy for the future.

On 8 December 2009 our CEO, Steve Holliday, addressed staff, students and invited guests of Imperial College's Energy Futures Lab. The speech, UK energy future - the road map to 2050, explored where and how National Grid would help the UK to meet its emissions reduction targets for 2050.