Unlocking Data Award
Highlighting the companies that are going above and beyond in their use of data to drive efficiencies, speed up innovation, progress net zero and benefit customers.
Unlocking Data Award
Highlighting the companies that are going above and beyond in their use of data to drive efficiencies, speed up innovation, progress net zero and benefit customers.
National Grid & Capgemini
National Grid partnered with Capgemini to launch the DataConnect Innovation Lab, a transformative capability that empowers teams to unlock the full potential of data. Enabling innovative ideas to be submitted from anyone in the business, the Lab accelerated innovation, improved collaboration, and delivered measurable impact. In the first 18 months, over 40 innovation projects have been launched, including digital twins, AI avatars, AI-powered summarisation, and dark data assets. The Lab fostered a culture of experimentation and inclusivity, enabling rapid testing and learning.
National Grid and Atos
National Grid, in partnership with Atos, developed ‘Triton’, an innovative Digital Twin and Data Visualisation Tool revolutionising electricity infrastructure planning. Triton integrates extensive datasets from Distribution Network Operators, automating complex processes and enabling rapid, accurate modelling of energy distribution networks.
This pioneering solution significantly reduces backlog times, enhances decision-making capabilities, and accelerates progress towards Net Zero targets. Triton’s real-time scenario analysis supports critical infrastructure upgrades aligned with national decarbonisation commitments. Embedded deeply into National Grid’s operational culture, Triton exemplifies transformative data utilisation, delivering immediate and long-term operational, societal, and environmental benefits, positioning National Grid at the forefront of data-driven innovation.
National Grid Electricity Distribution
PRIDE combines a cutting-edge digital tool with novel governance structures to deliver local and regional decarbonisation ambitions.
The LAEP+ digital solution puts hundreds of datasets, alongside intuitive planning tools and models, in the hands of local authorities to help them quickly, and cost-effectively, plan net zero initiatives across their areas. This detailed information can then be shared with networks to inform their planning and investment activities.
The governance structures bring together local and regional stakeholders to work together to make more informed strategic decisions, accelerating net zero delivery.
Northumbrian Water Group and consortia
River Deep Mountain AI is a pioneering Ofwat-funded project using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and remote sensing technologies to revolutionise how the UK understands and protects its waterbodies. By integrating water quality datasets, land use and weather information, with citizen science sampling, the project is unlocking new insights into the complex drivers of river health.
The cross-sector partnership recently published its first version open-source models on GitHub, estimating river flow, detecting pollutants, and mapping environmental risks. This holistic, data-driven approach gives rivers a “digital voice,” helping to empower smarter decisions, targeted interventions, and more efficient investments to tackle pollution.
SGN with FYLD
SGN’s Predictive Safety Interventions programme (PSI), delivered in partnership with FYLD, transforms frontline safety by unlocking the value of operational data. Using AI-powered analytics of video, audio and site data, PSI proactively identifies risk factors and provides engineers with real-time guidance. This innovative use of data has accelerated safety interventions, reduced incidents and minimised costly downtime across our network. PSI demonstrates how harnessing data drives efficiency, speeds innovation and supports net zero by cutting emissions linked to rework and delays. PSI sets a new industry benchmark, combining technology and cultural change to protect colleagues, customers and the environment.
UK Power Networks
UK Power Networks’ Connections Lab is revolutionising the connections process for energy developers.
This free, self-service digital tool provides instant tailored simulations using the same advanced software that UK Power Networks’ engineers use.
In just six months it’s enabled 110 users across 90 organisations to model >1,000 connection scenarios - totalling 38.2GW of low-carbon capacity - saving £7.7 million in fees and eliminating 162 years of cumulative wait time to receive connection offers. By transforming complex network data into actionable insight, the Lab empowers customers to connect faster, supporting energy decarbonisation, and accelerating progress towards a net zero-ready grid.
Zeitview
Zeitview is transforming how utilities manage critical infrastructure by turning episodic inspections into a living, multi-modal dataset that powers predictive, risk-informed decision-making. Our cloud-based insights platform integrates aerial imagery, thermal, LiDAR, and geospatial data, delivering ranked, actionable insights that improve safety, reliability, efficiency, and environmental performance. By combining AI-driven anomaly detection with human-in-the-loop validation, we help utilities prioritize the highest-impact maintenance actions and reduce costly failures. Trusted by major operators including Exelon and Enel, Zeitview is unlocking the full potential of utility data, accelerating progress toward net zero, and delivering measurable benefits to customers, communities, and the environment.