Keen AI & SP Energy launch grid tool for developers

SOFIAH NICHOLE SALIVIO

News Editor

Keen AI and SP Energy Networks have launched a digital tool for new electricity grid connections, aimed at developers seeking access to the UK transmission network.

Called Intelligent Connections Explorer, or IConn, the system is designed to speed up the earliest stage of the connection process by giving users an initial view of where and how a project may be able to connect. It provides indicative costs, likely timelines and potential technical constraints, producing results in under five seconds instead of after weeks of manual assessment.

The launch comes as pressure grows on Britain’s electricity networks from a surge in applications linked to wind, solar and battery storage projects. Grid connection reform has become a central part of the government’s Clean Power 2030 agenda, with network operators and developers under pressure to cut delays that can hold back investment decisions and project delivery.

Demand for new transmission connections rose more than fivefold between November 2024 and June 2025, according to Keen AI and SP Energy Networks. The increase has intensified scrutiny of the pre-application stage, when developers often seek early guidance on whether a scheme is viable before committing more time and money to formal submissions.

IConn digitises transmission network data to create a single view of existing, contracted and planned capacity. It then uses locally hosted models to generate possible connection routes, estimate costs, simulate power flows and flag technical limitations that may affect a project.

Work that previously relied on manual engineering analysis could take hours or several weeks to assemble, depending on the information required and the resources available. By automating much of that initial review, customer-facing teams are expected to give developers more consistent answers earlier in the process.

Growing queue

Britain’s grid connection queue has become one of the energy sector’s most persistent bottlenecks as the country tries to expand low-carbon electricity supply and strengthen energy security. Developers have long argued that uncertainty over available capacity, cost and timing can slow project planning well before a formal connection application is submitted.

For transmission owners and network operators, the strain also falls on engineering teams, which must process rising volumes of requests while balancing technical, regulatory and operational demands. In that context, tools that standardise initial assessments may help free up specialist staff for later-stage analysis and formal design work.

SP Energy Networks said IConn has already shown measurable benefits in the preliminary phases of the connections process, including faster early insight, more consistent information for developers, more efficient use of engineering time and support for teams handling high request volumes.

The system also aims to capture knowledge that might otherwise remain with individual engineers or local teams. That matters in a process where early advice can vary depending on who handles an enquiry and what data is immediately available.

Sector focus

Keen AI is a UK company focused on artificial intelligence applications for critical infrastructure. It has worked with utilities including National Grid, Scottish Power and SSE on asset monitoring and network planning, and secured Ofgem funding in 2025 to develop what it described as Britain’s Foundation Source Model for electricity infrastructure.

SP Energy Networks operates electricity distribution networks across central and southern Scotland, Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and North Shropshire, as well as transmission networks in central and southern Scotland. The business serves more than 3.5 million customers across its network areas.

The collaboration reflects a broader move across the energy sector to use digital systems and automation in planning and operations as network owners face rising data volumes and tighter delivery targets. For connections, the commercial value lies in shortening the period before a developer can judge whether a project is worth pursuing.

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 connection options and helping to set more informed expectations. It’s a great example of how innovation can directly enhance the customer experience.”

Amjad Karim, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Keen AI, said: “We have taken a process that used to consume hours of engineering time and compressed it to seconds. That’s the kind of step change the UK needs to meet growing demand for clean energy. There’s a narrow window to get this right. The projects waiting in the queue today are the wind farms and battery storage we need online by 2030. Now it’s about scaling that solution across the industry.”