Keen AI, a UK-based company specialising in AI solutions for critical infrastructure, has joined with SP Energy Networks to develop IConn, a digital tool for developers seeking a new connection to the transmission electricity grid. The tool provides customers with a view of where and how they can connect to the transmission network – information that would previously have taken several weeks due to resource-intensive processes.
Accelerating the pre-application process for grid connection applications is critical to plans to move to clean power by 20303. The faster developers can understand viable connection routes, the sooner clean power projects can progress toward connecting to the grid, supporting both the UK’s decarbonisation targets and its energy security.
IConn speeds up the process by digitising the transmission network and creating a unified view of its existing, contracted and planned capacity. The tool processes raw network data on locally hosted models to generate potential connection routes, estimated costs, simulate power flows and identify potential technical constraints a few seconds, instead of taking hours of manual engineering analysis.
Alana Cairns, Transmission Customer Liaison Manager at SP Energy Networks, said: “We’re really pleased to see IConn taking shape as a practical tool that reflects the depth of knowledge within our engineering teams. Working with Keen AI has allowed us to turn that expertise into something customers can access from day one, giving them a clearer understanding of their connections options and helping to set more informed expectations. It’s a great example of how innovation can directly enhance the customer experience.”