Innovation
To deliver life’s essential service now and in the future, innovation is a fundamental capability. This is so our customer's, communities and the environment can thrive.
We're turning our business performance around and tackling challenges faced by our sector. To do this we're evolving our innovation model. Our new model will be to embed capability that delivers systematic change at all levels.
Our improved innovation capabilities have increased our impact on our customers and environment. It has also helped to deliver public value, and improved resilience and sustainability. Our innovation priorities are linked to our strategic ambitions and our corporate strategy.
Find out more about our plans in vision 2050 research and water innovation strategy.
Ofwat Innovation Fund
To grow the water sector’s capacity to innovate, Ofwat has established an Innovation Fund. This will help in managing the evolving needs of our customers, society, and environment. Between 2020-25 the fund is estimated to equate to £200m investment. Increasing to a proposed £400m for 2025-30, along with an additional £100m Water Efficiency Fund.
The fund supports water company initiatives that show bold new approaches to innovation. We're currently delivering over £25.6m worth of projects. We're also supporting our partners with over £76.8m in collaborative projects. Some of the projects we're leading on include:
Community centric rainwater
Our rainwater project aimed to help ‘slow the flow’ of rainwater entering sewers. View rainwater project
Pipebots for rising mains
We researched using pipebots to identify rising mains that need replacing. View pipebots project
Unlocking digital twins
Our digital twins project is a great step towards resilience of our water networks. View digital twins project
Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment (AWT)
We're working with AWT to transform the energy balance of wastewater treatment. View wastewater project
Sub-seasonal weather forecasting
Weather forecasting will help predict if a weather pattern and business impact occurs. View forecasting project
Innovative ideas
We're looking for new and exciting solutions for current and future business challenges. If you have an innovative idea, please fill in our supplier collaboration form.