Summary

PRIDE (Planning Regional Infrastructure in a Digital Environment) is a collaborative project led by National Grid Electricity Distribution, in partnership with West Midlands Combined Authority, Advanced Infrastructure Technology Ltd, Regen, and National Energy System Operator (NESO). Designed to address the increasing complexity of energy system planning, the project leverages digital tools and data integration to enhance network forecasting, optimise infrastructure investment, and facilitate collaboration between local authorities, energy networks, and regional stakeholders.

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The Challenge

A significant challenge in achieving the UK’s climate targets is the lack of dynamic information exchange between key stakeholders, which is crucial for enabling integrated local and regional planning aimed at decarbonising major energy demands.

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• Energy networks face difficulties in responding to fluctuating local energy demand due to limited access to critical local data and information.
• Local authorities are neither mandated nor sufficiently resourced to consistently deliver Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs).
• Technical barriers, such as non-interoperable data between LAEPs and network modelling, complicate the integrated planning process.

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The Solution: LAEP+ Customer Planning Platform

In 2023, Project PRIDE received approval in the second round of the Alpha Phase of Ofgem's Strategic Innovation Fund. During this phase, Advanced Infrastructure developed a digital twin to support local authorities in planning for decarbonisation and local area energy plans. Built upon Advanced Infrastructure’s LAEP+ platform, the digital twin integrates key network data, including grid capacity data, building stock models, and over 40 regional datasets.

This solution offers a more sophisticated, data-driven approach to energy planning, providing local authorities with powerful digital tools for decision-making and helping National Grid optimise its infrastructure investment strategies.

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How LAEP+ is supporting the PRIDE Project

• Optimising Strategic Grid Investments: Using geospatial data and scenario modeling to ensure that infrastructure investments are strategically targeted, and capable of meeting future demand.
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• Enhanced Energy Planning: Equipping local authorities with digital tools to develop comprehensive Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs).
  
  
• Strengthening Cross-Sector Collaboration: Establishing a shared platform where National Grid, local authorities, and other stakeholders can coordinate investment strategies and energy transition planning.

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Progress and Impact

Following a successful Alpha phase, £3.7million was awarded for a BETA phase commencing in Winter 2024.

The PRIDE Beta phase will focus on advancing the development of the LAEP+ platform, making it easier for local authorities to create comprehensive cross-vector digital infrastructure plans. This will establish a continuous feedback loop among networks, local authorities, and regional stakeholders, enabling integrated planning for the decarbonisation of energy demands. 

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As of March 2025, numerous local authorities across the West Midlands have joined Project PRIDE, actively participating in the development of LAEP+. 

The project aims to have ten areas within the West Midlands produce LAEP-style plans by October 2025, demonstrating the practical application of the digital tool and collaborative frameworks.

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Jenny Woodruff, Innovation Manager at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said:

“By sharing data, we can work even more closely together to help deliver Local Area Energy Plans, reducing cost and timescales, and ensuring the electricity network is ready ahead of need to ensure a cleaner and fairer energy future for all.”

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Conclusion

Project PRIDE demonstrates how digital innovation and regional collaboration can transform energy planning. By harnessing granular data, geospatial tools, and stakeholder engagement, the project is paving the way for a more coordinated, efficient, and sustainable energy transition.

With LAEP+ at its core, Project PRIDE is equipping local authorities and energy providers with the tools they need to plan smarter, invest wisely, and accelerate the path to Net Zero.

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