Given the necessary rate of change as we move toward net zero and away from traditional technology, we need to be able to test and launch new market services more quickly.
This project will investigate the feasibility of, and develop a proof of concept for, a National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) hosted, digitally ringfenced, balancing and constraint market which enables the ESO (supported by groups of energy sector service providers) to act autonomously in building innovative concepts, services and solutions to accelerate the ESO’s Markets Roadmap and drive to net zero.
Benefits
With the move from traditional sources of generation towards new technology types and the need for new sources of flexibility as we transition to a zero carbon electricity system, it is more important than ever to accelerate the rate at which new products can participate in the market. A sandbox environment will facilitate this transition, utilising these new technologies and working with new providers to understand clearly how their solutions can participate in the market - what works and what does not - and how they can be refined. This dedicated trial environment will expedite the development of new products, market solutions and the exchange of knowledge and experience which future products and services can build on.
Learnings
Outcomes
The Reveal project successfully delivered on its core objectives. Key technical outcomes included the implementation of a secure site-to-site VPN and a seamless integration with the testing partner, both of which were foundational to enabling secure and efficient data exchange. These achievements validated the project’s architectural design and
demonstrated its readiness for operational deployment. The project also maintained strong alignment with its original scope, requiring only minimal adjustments, and was delivered on time with stakeholder confidence intact. Beyond the technical milestones, the project fostered a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. The team remained open to feedback throughout, refining deliverables and enhancing engagement with NESO’s operational teams. This approach not only strengthened the quality of the final outputs but also surfaced valuable insights for future innovation initiatives. The Reveal project stands as a strong example of how structured delivery, adaptive thinking, and stakeholder alignment can combine to produce impactful and scalable outcomes.
This is addition to the previous outcomes as documented in the previous 2024 REVEAL progress report.
Summary of earlier outcomes:
- Key problem statements were identified which REVEAL can address, linked to wider energy sector challenges, which positions the project as an impactful initiative.
- Key vision and purpose statements were synthesized with stakeholders to ensure the project is grounded in the collective input and aspirations of those involved, enhancing its credibility.
- Additional ‘Trials Conditions and Scenarios’ module designed as part of the Live Trial Environment to bring further value in later development iterations.
- NESO and industry stakeholders bought in to core solutions and understand the benefits of REVEAL, further enabling proposed developments to go forward.
Lessons Learnt
One of the key lessons learnt from the Reveal project is the value of maintaining a flexible and responsive delivery approach, even when the core plan remains largely unchanged. The team’s openness to feedback and commitment to continuous improvement enabled them to refine deliverables, enhance stakeholder engagement, and adapt to evolving operational insights without deviating significantly from the original scope. This experience highlights the importance of embedding agility into project governance structures, ensuring that future projects can accommodate iterative learning, stakeholder collaboration, and emerging opportunities—ultimately leading to more resilient and impactful outcomes.