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    ContractsUniversity Research Partnerships for Electricity Network Innovation
    Awarded contract

    University Research Partnerships for Electricity Network Innovation

    Awarded
    £700m
    Published 15 Sept 2026

    NGET is offering £84 million in funding for university partnerships to drive innovation in electricity network technology and support energy transition goals through 2031.

    🇬🇧United Kingdom· LondonPublished 15 Sept 2026· 2 months agoviaFind a Tender
    Awarded
    £700m
    Published 15 Sept 2026

    Decision brief

    4 fields
    • Contract value
      £700,000,000
      Pounds sterling
    • Closing date
      Not published
      No closing date published
    • Sector
      Research & Innovation
      Browse related listings
    • Location
      🇬🇧United Kingdom
      London

    Suppliers

    10 suppliers
    • CU
      Cardiff University
    Lead contractor
  1. UM
    UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
    Consortium partner
  2. US
    University of Strathclyde
    Consortium partner
  3. UE
    UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
    Consortium partner
  4. UW
    UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
    Consortium partner
  5. UB
    THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
    Consortium partner
  6. SU
    Southampton University
    Consortium partner
  7. UB
    UNIVERSITY OF BATH
    Consortium partner
  8. UL
    UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL
    Consortium partner
  9. UE
    University Of Edinburgh
    Consortium partner
  10. Lifecycle

    Awarded

    Contract awarded. Originally published 2 months ago.

    15 September 2026
    Awarded — no open tender advertised

    Brief

    National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) is seeking university partnerships to advance its innovation strategy from April 2026 to March 2031. The programme supports the energy system transition, including Clean Power 2030 and net zero 2050 goals, while providing support for vulnerable consumers. Universities will collaborate on Research & Development projects across Technology Readiness Levels 2-8, encompassing research, development, and demonstration activities. Partners are expected to contribute resources and technical expertise to address NGET's specific innovation needs and generate novel project ideas. Beyond individual projects, universities will help foster innovation through knowledge sharing, strategic development, and culture building. This includes supporting dissemination events across the energy sector and beyond to communicate project outputs, learnings, and benefits while learning from industry partners. The programme aims to ensure a safe and reliable electricity network, enhance consumer value, accelerate decarbonisation, and create positive societal impact. Total funding available: £70,000,000 (excluding VAT) or £84,000,000 (including VAT) per contract.

    Track record

    3 awards · 2 winners
    Open panel

    Mostly framework call-offs rather than head-to-head competition.

    In research innovation, NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION PLC has awarded 3 contracts to 2 suppliers.

    Who wins here
    1. Southampton University2× · 67%
    2. Cardiff University1× · 33%

    Across research innovation, the most active winners are WSP UK LIMITED, IPSOS MARKET RESEARCH LIMITED, IFF RESEARCH LIMITED — the field to beat, or your route in as a partner.

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    Take action
    View on sourceFind a Tender

    Award notice and full record on the publisher's site

    Publisher
    UK Cabinet Office
    Licence
    OGL v3.0
    Source
    find-tender.service.gov.uk
    Record ID
    ocds-h6vhtk-061465

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    Buyer
    NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION PLC
    Sector
    Research & Innovation