Research and analysis

Energy Innovation Needs Assessments 2025

The Energy Innovation Needs Assessments (EINAs) are an independent assessment of the role of innovation in key technologies in the UK’s future energy system.

Documents

Energy Innovation Needs Assessment: Summary report

Energy Innovation Needs Assessment: Carbon management

Energy Innovation Needs Assessment: Energy networks

Energy Innovation Needs Assessment: Energy storage

Energy Innovation Needs Assessment: Heating and buildings

Energy Innovation Needs Assessment: Hydrogen

Energy Innovation Needs Assessment: Nuclear energy

Energy Innovation Needs Assessment: Offshore renewable energy

Details

The Energy Innovation Needs Assessments (EINAs) provide analysis on future UK energy innovation needs. This suite of reports provides an update on the 2019 EINAs.

The EINAs draw on best-in-class energy system modelling and expert engagement to provide a whole-system view on:

  • the impact of innovation in key technologies and the value created by innovation in the UK’s transition to net zero
  • potential business opportunities from technologies in scope
  • key innovation needs
  • key barriers and enablers of innovation for assessed technologies

The EINAs provide an important evidence base for stakeholders in energy innovation, including government, industry, finance, academia and civil society.

DESNZ will use the EINAs as part of a wider evidence base to inform the development of the Cleantech Innovation Challenges, which will be launched in 2026, to mobilise action on innovation priorities.

An overview of the key findings from this exercise is provided in the summary report. There are in-depth reports covering 8 technology themes:

  • Carbon management
  • Energy networks
  • Energy storage
  • Heat and buildings
  • Hydrogen
  • Industrial decarbonisation
  • Nuclear energy
  • Offshore renewables

A methodology report provides detail on modelling and assumptions used for the analysis.

DESNZ commissioned a consortium led by Carbon Trust in 2023 to provide this analysis.

The views expressed in this report are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect HM Government policy.

Updates to this page

Published 19 December 2025

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