Deadline: 28-Jul-2026
Cadent Gas Ltd is seeking innovative low-emission vehicle and integrated power solutions to help replace diesel-based operational fleets used in gas network repair and maintenance. The opportunity focuses on vehicle-tool systems that can safely power hazardous-environment-compatible equipment while maintaining reliable performance in urban, rural and challenging field conditions.
The programme is open to UK-based businesses, academic institutions, start-ups, SMEs and individual entrepreneurs, as well as applicants intending to establish a UK presence. Solutions must demonstrate a Technology Readiness Level of 6 or above and be capable of pilot deployment within 24 months.
Programme Overview
Cadent Gas Ltd is inviting innovative solutions that support the transition away from diesel-powered operational fleets.
The initiative aims to identify low-emission vehicle and integrated power systems that can support safe, reliable and efficient gas network maintenance.
The focus is on solutions that combine vehicle power, field equipment and hazardous-environment safety into practical systems for real-world deployment.
Core Objective
The main objective is to reduce reliance on diesel-based vehicles and equipment used in gas network repair and maintenance.
Cadent Gas Ltd is looking for solutions that can:
- Lower emissions from operational fleets
- Maintain or improve current equipment performance
- Operate safely near live gas infrastructure
- Support field teams in urban and rural environments
- Power tools directly from vehicle systems
- Enable pilot deployment within 24 months
Key Technology Focus Areas
The programme prioritises integrated vehicle-tool systems that can replace or improve existing diesel-powered equipment.
Relevant solutions may include:
- Low-emission operational vehicles
- Integrated vehicle power systems
- Electric or alternative-fuel tool platforms
- Hazardous-environment-compatible equipment
- Vehicle-powered field tools
- Safe power supply systems for gas network operations
- Mobile energy systems for repair and maintenance teams
Equipment and Tooling Needs
Cadent Gas Ltd is especially interested in tooling solutions that can be powered directly from vehicle systems.
These tools should match or exceed the performance of existing diesel-powered equipment used in gas network maintenance.
Relevant equipment may include:
- Road breakers
- Cutting equipment
- Pumps
- Soil-handling tools
- Excavation support tools
- Safety-critical systems
- Field maintenance equipment
- Tools for confined or difficult work sites
Technology Readiness Requirement
All proposed solutions are expected to demonstrate a Technology Readiness Level of 6 or above.
This means the technology should already be advanced enough to show strong practical feasibility in a relevant environment.
Solutions should not be at an early concept stage. They should be close enough to real-world use to support pilot testing within the required timeframe.
Pilot Deployment Timeframe
Solutions must be capable of pilot deployment within 24 months.
Applicants should show that their technology can move from proposal to practical testing in a clear and realistic way.
A strong proposal should explain:
- Current development status
- Technical readiness
- Deployment pathway
- Pilot testing requirements
- Expected operational performance
- Risks and mitigation measures
- Support needed for implementation
Operating Environment Requirements
The proposed solutions must be suitable for real gas network repair and maintenance environments.
They should be able to operate reliably in:
- Urban areas
- Rural areas
- Wet conditions
- Muddy sites
- Confined excavation areas
- Challenging field locations
- Sites near live gas infrastructure
- Potentially hazardous atmospheres
The solutions must support operational reliability without compromising safety.
Safety and Hazardous Environment Requirements
Safety is a central requirement for this opportunity.
Proposed technologies must be suitable for work near live gas infrastructure and in potentially hazardous atmospheres.
Solutions should avoid introducing ignition risks and must support safe field operations.
Applicants should clearly explain how their solutions manage:
- Ignition risk
- Electrical safety
- Tool safety
- Gas network safety
- Worker protection
- Hazardous-atmosphere operation
- Confined-site risks
- Field deployment risks
Who is Eligible?
The programme is open to a wide range of applicants.
Eligible applicants include:
- Established businesses
- Academic institutions
- Start-ups
- Small and medium-sized enterprises
- Individual entrepreneurs
Applicants should be based in the United Kingdom or intend to establish a UK presence.
What Types of Solutions Are Suitable?
Suitable solutions should directly address Cadent Gas Ltd’s operational challenge.
Strong proposals may include technologies that:
- Replace diesel-powered field equipment
- Reduce fleet emissions
- Integrate vehicle power with operational tools
- Improve safety in gas network environments
- Support reliable maintenance work
- Function in harsh outdoor conditions
- Offer a clear route to commercial deployment
- Demonstrate strong innovation and practical value
Evaluation Criteria
Solutions will be evaluated against several key criteria.
These include:
- Relevance to the operational challenge
- Technical feasibility
- Economic viability
- Level of innovation
- Readiness for deployment
- Technology Readiness Level
- Organisational credibility
- Strength of the commercial model
- Ability to support pilot deployment
- Potential for long-term adoption
How the Programme Works
The opportunity is designed to identify, evaluate and support promising low-emission operational technologies.
Step 1: Develop a Relevant Solution
Applicants should prepare a solution that directly addresses the need for low-emission vehicle and power systems for gas network operations.
The solution should demonstrate clear relevance to fleet decarbonisation, field tooling and operational safety.
Step 2: Confirm Technology Readiness
Applicants should ensure their technology has reached Technology Readiness Level 6 or above.
The proposal should explain the current development stage and provide evidence of technical feasibility.
Step 3: Explain Operational Use
Applicants should describe how the solution would be used in real gas network repair and maintenance activities.
This should include details on vehicle integration, tool performance, safety and field deployment.
Step 4: Address Safety Requirements
Applicants must explain how the solution can operate safely near live gas infrastructure and in hazardous environments.
This should include measures to prevent ignition risks and protect workers during field operations.
Step 5: Present the Commercial Case
Applicants should provide a clear commercial model.
This may include expected costs, scalability, market potential, maintenance requirements and long-term adoption potential.
Step 6: Prepare for Possible Presentation
Successful applicants may be invited to present their solutions directly to Cadent Gas Ltd.
The presentation should clearly explain the technology, operational benefits, deployment plan and commercial value.
Step 7: Progress to Pilot Trials
Selected technologies may move forward to pilot trials.
Pilot trials will help test whether the solution can perform reliably in real operational environments.
Step 8: Explore Long-Term Adoption
Technologies that perform well during pilots may be considered for longer-term adoption across operational fleets.
This could support wider decarbonisation of field maintenance activities.
Support Available to Successful Applicants
Selected applicants may receive additional support to develop, test and commercialise their solutions.
Possible support may include:
- Innovation guidance
- Prototype development assistance
- Technical support
- Pilot trial opportunities
- Commercial collaboration
- Participation in industry events
- Investor introductions
- Engagement with Cadent Gas Ltd operational teams
- Potential long-term adoption pathways
Why This Opportunity Matters
Gas network maintenance relies on vehicles, tools and field equipment that must perform safely and reliably in demanding environments.
Many existing systems depend on diesel power, which creates emissions and limits progress toward cleaner operations.
This opportunity supports the development of low-emission alternatives that can help modernise operational fleets while maintaining safety, reliability and performance.
It is especially important because gas network teams often work in challenging conditions, including excavation sites, wet areas, confined spaces and locations near live infrastructure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid the following mistakes:
- Submitting early-stage ideas below Technology Readiness Level 6
- Failing to explain how the solution reduces diesel use
- Ignoring hazardous-environment safety requirements
- Providing weak evidence of field performance
- Overlooking ignition risks near live gas infrastructure
- Not explaining how tools will be powered from vehicle systems
- Submitting a proposal without a clear pilot deployment plan
- Providing an unclear or unrealistic commercial model
- Failing to show readiness for deployment within 24 months
Tips for a Strong Application
A strong proposal should:
- Clearly address Cadent Gas Ltd’s operational challenge
- Demonstrate Technology Readiness Level 6 or above
- Show how the solution replaces or reduces diesel-powered operations
- Explain vehicle-tool integration in practical terms
- Prove the solution can work in difficult field environments
- Address safety risks in hazardous atmospheres
- Present a realistic pilot deployment plan
- Include a credible commercial model
- Show strong organisational capacity
- Explain long-term adoption potential
FAQ
1. What is Cadent Gas Ltd looking for?
Cadent Gas Ltd is looking for innovative low-emission vehicle and integrated power solutions that can replace or reduce diesel-based operational fleets used in gas network repair and maintenance.
2. What types of tools should the solutions support?
Solutions should support field equipment such as road breakers, cutting tools, pumps, soil-handling tools and safety-critical systems used in gas network maintenance.
3. What is the required Technology Readiness Level?
All proposed solutions should demonstrate a Technology Readiness Level of 6 or above.
4. How quickly must the solution be deployable?
Solutions should be capable of pilot deployment within 24 months.
5. Who can apply?
Established businesses, academic institutions, start-ups, SMEs and individual entrepreneurs can apply. Applicants should be based in the United Kingdom or intend to establish a UK presence.
6. What will Cadent Gas Ltd consider when evaluating proposals?
Solutions will be assessed based on relevance, feasibility, economic viability, innovation, readiness for deployment, organisational credibility and the strength of the commercial model.
7. What support may successful applicants receive?
Successful applicants may receive innovation guidance, prototype development support, technical assistance, industry event participation, investor introductions, commercial collaboration opportunities and potential access to pilot trials.
Conclusion
Cadent Gas Ltd’s low-emission vehicle and integrated power solutions opportunity supports the transition away from diesel-based gas network maintenance operations.
The programme is designed for practical, safe and commercially viable technologies that can power field tools, operate in hazardous environments and support reliable maintenance across urban and rural settings.
Applicants with deployment-ready, innovative and safety-focused solutions have the opportunity to present their technologies, progress to pilot trials and potentially support long-term transformation across operational fleets.
For more information, visit Innovate UK.