Slav Ivanov, a fourth-year PhD student at the University of Strathclyde, working at the intersection of Computer Science and Physics, has joined the ENSIGN team to help drive forward development of the project’s interactive Low-Voltage (LV) Network Demonstrator for WP2-Electrical Network Sub-Digital Twin. His academic research explores machine learning–driven optimisation techniques for laser–plasma systems, building on several years of experience as a software developer in both industry and research settings.
In his role as a Research Software Engineer on ENSIGN, Slav is leading efforts to refine and streamline the LV Network Demonstrator. He is focused on improving system efficiency, enhancing the modular structure of components, and ensuring the platform can support new features as the project evolves.
Slav’s work will also support the integration of additional networks into the demonstrator, as well as the incorporation of machine learning models developed by the wider team. These models will generate stakeholder demand profiles, expanding the tool’s capability and helping ENSIGN deliver richer, data‑driven insights.
We’re excited to welcome Dr. Junyi Lu to the Ensign team as our new Power Network Analytics Researcher.
Junyi recently completed his PhD in Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde (February 2026), and he now brings his expertise into Work Package 2 – Electrical Network Sub Digital Twin, focusing on the development of the project’s Electrical Network Sub‑Digital Twin.
Junyi is leading efforts to build and validate advanced digital twin models for the Glasgow and Southport areas—integrating electrical engineering principles with data‑driven insights. His work involves:
Together, these contributions will significantly strengthen Ensign’s ability to support a resilient, low‑carbon, multi‑energy future.
Please join us in welcoming Junyi to the team — we’re thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the impact his work will deliver!
We’re excited to announce a brand‑new feature on the Ensign website — an Interactive Heating Costing Calculator designed to help users explore the true cost and carbon impact of different home‑heating options. This has been developed by WP3 – Heat Sub Digital Twin team at the University of Liverpool.
This easy‑to‑use tool provides an estimate of annual space‑heating demand for a typical UK home and compares the expected running costs and CO₂ emissions for three systems:
Simply enter:
The calculator then uses Heating Degree Days and a heat‑pump performance model to estimate annual electricity use, yearly costs, and carbon emissions — giving you a clear, data‑driven picture of your options.
Try the tool out today and let us know what you think!
Interactive Heating Costing Calculator
Your feedback helps us make it even better.
The University of Strathclyde will host the 3rd International Summer School on IBR‑Dominated Power Systems, taking place 31 August – 4 September 2026.
Building on the success of previous editions at Imperial College London (2024) and Tsinghua University (2025), this year’s summer school will once again bring together a global community of researchers and industry professionals working at the forefront of inverter‑based resource (IBR) integration.
Participants will learn directly from 30 leading experts representing top institutions such as University of Cambridge, Nanyang Technological University, University of Edinburgh, Seoul National University, University of Melbourne, National Technical University of Athens …and many more.
We are pleased to highlight that Professor Qiteng Hong (University of Strathclyde), Co‑I for WP2 Electrical Network Sub Digital Twin of the ENSIGN – IES-DT project, will deliver a specialist session on: IBR Fault Ride‑Through, Protection Impacts and Practical Solutions.
By the end of the programme, attendees will have developed a deep and holistic understanding of the behaviour, stability and operational challenges of IBR‑dominated power systems—equipping them with a strong foundation for future research and professional practice in this rapidly evolving field.
The summer school will explore key technical areas, including:
Applications Now Open!
The deadline to apply is 30 April 2026.
For more information visit 3rd International Summer School
NESO’s transitional Regional Energy Strategic Plan (tRESP) is the first publication in the journey towards transforming and improving energy infrastructure at a local level, developing bespoke plans for Scotland, England and Wales.
This marks the first step in ensuring universal access to secure, affordable and sustainable energy, while aligning future energy needs with local priorities.
The plan will guide future network investments by electricity distribution network operators as they develop their business plans for the 2028–2033 price control period. It highlights where early, strategic network upgrades could help unlock and accelerate local projects. NESO will expand on this transitional plan as it takes on its full RESP responsibilities from late 2026.
The tRESP is made up of four components:
The tRESP can be accessed from the NESO website
Ensign is proud to share that Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer, Heriot-Watt University’s Deputy Principal for Global Sustainability and Co-Investigator of the Ensign project, has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s New Year Honours List 2026.
This prestigious recognition celebrates Mercedes’ internationally respected leadership in energy and her outstanding contributions to low-energy technologies that reduce emissions while supporting sustainable economic growth. Her work has helped shape the global response to climate change and advance the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Since 2022, Mercedes has led Heriot-Watt’s sustainability strategy, embedding sustainability across teaching, research, and operations. She also plays a key role on the UN Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET), advising on practical engineering pathways to achieve net zero.
Ensign is delighted to congratulate Mercedes on this well-deserved honour and proud to have her expertise driving our mission forward.
Read more about Mercedes’ achievement on Heriot-Watt’s website – International energy leader honoured with OBE
As we welcome 2026, we’re proud to reflect on a year of outstanding progress, collaboration and delivery across our programmes and partnerships.
Over the past year, progress against our original plan has been excellent, with milestones, objectives and deliverables being met in line with the project roadmap. Together, we have:
Achieved major delivery highlights, including
Collaboration at its best
Our entire team has worked extremely effectively, creating a positive environment that’s driving real impact. Engagement with our industry partners has been excellent and continues to provide valuable added insight, innovation and support.
Looking ahead to 2026
With a strong foundation and a shared commitment to quality and delivery, we’re excited to build on this progress in the year ahead. Together, we’ll continue pushing boundaries, strengthening partnerships and delivering meaningful outcomes for our clients and communities.
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and successful New Year.
Here’s to a brilliant 2026!
Ensign’s WP5 (Industrial Cluster Sub Digital Twin) colleagues have published a new Green Corridors whitepaper, co authored by Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer and Professor John Andresen from the Heriot Watt University, on how coordinated, place-based planning across energy infrastructure, demand and investment can accelerate low-carbon delivery.
The insights from the “Maritime Twin – Innovate UK Project: Green Shipping Corridors (GSCs) & Near Term Instruments for Decarbonising UK maritime Routes” whitepaper strongly align with Ensigns whole-system digital twin direction— linking networks, industrial clusters, flexibility and future demand to support better decisions across sectors.
As we approach the end of 2025, the ENSIGN project team would like to extend our warmest Christmas wishes to all our collaborators, partners, and supporters.
This year has been one of meaningful progress, impactful partnerships, and exciting research developments across our programme. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our project team, the contributions from our academic and industry partners, and the continued engagement from the wider community.
Thank you for your support throughout 2025. We look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead, continuing to work together towards innovative, secure, and sustainable energy system solutions.
Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year from everyone at ENSIGN.
Here’s to a successful and collaborative 2026!
— The ENSIGN Project Team
Professor Qiteng Hong, Co-Investigator of the ENSIGN project, has been awarded an Royal Society International Exchange Grant jointly funded by the Royal Society and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). The grant will support a new collaborative research programme with Professor Bin Wang of Tsinghua University, one of China’s leading experts in power systems operation and protection.
This exchange grant will enable Professors Hong and Wang to jointly address critical challenges in the operation and protection of future decarbonised distribution networks. The collaboration will be delivered through a structured programme of reciprocal visits and joint research activities over the next two years, including the exchange of early-career researchers and doctoral students, as well as workshops, seminars, and joint publications to enable future collaboration and disseminate findings to the wider scientific community and industry stakeholders.
