Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Transmission has secured almost £300,000 ($400,812) to advance two key innovation projects, supporting network innovation crucial for the transition to net zero.
The funding, provided through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), consists of £149,612 for the ODIN project and £139,663 for the RAPID project. SIF is an Ofgem (the UK’s Office of Gas and Electricity Markets) programme managed in partnership with Innovate UK.
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The ODIN project is a collaboration with Ross Robotics to develop automated methods for interpreting data collected by robots, named Haggis, in high voltage direct current (HVDC) halls.
The funding will be used to develop AI and machine learning techniques to analyse the data from Haggis, which has been operational since 2024.
The robot monitors electrical equipment at SSEN Transmission’s Blackhillock HVDC switching station in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
Developed by Ross Robotics, the robot is designed to identify faults and maintenance needs within electrical components.
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By GlobalDataWeighing 25kg and equipped with all-terrain wheels, the robot can navigate the high-voltage halls autonomously, gathering essential data before returning to its charging port.
The SIF funding will enhance the robot’s capabilities by improving the interpretation of captured data, leading to insights into HVDC asset behaviour and operational efficiency.
The RAPID project focuses on improving the route design process for new overhead line projects. It aligns with recommendations from the 2023 report by the UK government’s independent electricity networks commissioner, Nick Winser.
Collaborating with other transmission operators and the National Energy Systems Operator, the RAPID project aims to standardise route design processes to bolster stakeholder confidence in route selection.
SSEN Transmission senior innovation manager Alan Ritchie stated: “Innovation plays a key role in our work to upgrade the transmission network in the north of Scotland, and we’ve been on an exciting innovation journey over the past year – with ODIN and RAPID among an extensive portfolio of sector-leading projects.
“Overall, we anticipate our current portfolio has the potential to generate upwards of £190m in benefits by the end of the 2026 to 2031 price control period (RIIO-T3), demonstrating our substantial contributions to the sector and our dedication to using innovation to deliver a sustainable, resilient and efficient electricity network for the future.”
In April 2025, SSEN announced £200m in investment to upgrade the electricity distribution network in Oxfordshire, UK.
