The UK Government has outlined its plans to advance the development of a data sharing infrastructure for the energy sector.
The government has responded to the feasibility study on a digital spine for energy data sharing, conducted by Ove Arup, Energy Systems Catapult and the University of Bath.
The study supports the development of a data sharing infrastructure and highlights its role in advancing a digitalised energy system.
The response notes that the study has increased stakeholder engagement and spurred new projects.
It outlines the need for further work on technical functions, governance and security of the data sharing infrastructure.
Key recommendations include developing a minimum viable product (MVP), forming a task group and publishing clear decisions on the project’s future.
In 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO), which will soon become the National Energy System Operator (NESO), will launch a pilot project for data sharing focused on outage planning.
By 2025, NESO aims to develop a minimum viable product for strategic planning.
Security will be a key focus, with NESO seeking guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre to ensure the infrastructure meets regulatory standards.
Additionally, the government will review data standards in 2024 to support the implementation of the infrastructure.
A new task group will oversee the project, coordinate efforts and provide governance and industry impact recommendations.
These steps are intended to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive data sharing system that supports the energy sector’s digital transformation and enhances its efficiency.
An ESO spokesperson said: “Through enhanced data integration, we can create a resilient and adaptive energy grid for the future that through greater efficiencies and coordination, will help to lower energy bills, improve our energy security and deliver GB’s net zero ambitions.
“We welcome the study’s support for the work already underway at the ESO to develop this infrastructure as part of our Virtual Energy System programme.”
