Strategic partnership announced between UofG and SP Energy Networks
Published: 26 February 2026
A new sector-leading partnership between SP Energy Networks and the University of Glasgow has been unveiled.
A new sector-leading partnership between SP Energy Networks and the University of Glasgow has been unveiled today.
The multi‑year partnership will create a sector‑leading ‘Cyber Defence Lab’, fund PhD and graduate apprenticeship programmes, and develop Data, Cyber, Digital and AI skills needed to deliver a resilient, Net Zero electricity system.
The partnership builds on years of positive collaboration between the university and the network operator and brings together their strengths in engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, and cyber security.
Jen Davies, Head of Workforce Renewal at SP Energy Networks said: “At the heart of this partnership is something deeply important to us: investing in our people and attracting new talent into our industry. Through graduate apprenticeships, PhD sponsorships, and short, specialist credentials, we’re creating more routes than ever for people at every stage of their careers to develop and grow with us.
“This collaboration will give our teams access to the latest thinking from leading academic minds. It’s an approach that supports retention, builds confidence, and reinforces the long-term resilience of SP Energy Networks.”
As work continues towards the government’s Clean Power 2030 ambitions, the focus between SP Energy Networks and the University of Glasgow is building the foundations of Graduate Apprenticeships in core skill areas, building on the fundamentals of research and development to support Cyber, Data and Digital programmes, and delivering a framework of knowledge exchange, innovation and project delivery.
But this partnership is about more than research papers and projects. It’s about working side by side ─ designing solutions, testing new ideas in real environments, and exploring innovation opportunities together.
Whether it’s small technical trials or major collaborative programmes, the partnership will strengthen Britain’s electricity network, improve customer outcomes, and support the UK’s wider decarbonisation mission.
Professor Chris Pearce, Vice-Principal Research and Knowledge Exchange, University of Glasgow said: “We’re pleased to be building on our longstanding relationship with SP Energy Networks with the launch of this new strategic partnership, which will allow us to harness the wealth of expertise on both sides for the benefit of all.
“Together, we will develop valuable new opportunities for cutting-edge research and create learning and career pathways in fields that will help make the country greener and safer for years to come.”
First published: 26 February 2026