Energy Systems Catapult led both the Energy Data Taskforce (EDTF) and subsequent Energy Digitalisation Taskforce (EDiT), both commissioned by the UK Government, Ofgem and Innovate UK to develop an integrated data and digital strategy to helps unlock the opportunities of a modern, decarbonised and decentralised energy system for the benefit of consumers.

Described as “game-changing” by the ENA, the taskforces engage with hundreds of organisations and kick-started over 50 digital and data projects within two years of beginning.

This included Energy Systems Catapult working with National Grid (formerly WPD) to help the network operator to improve internal data processes and release more data – resulting in the launch of their Connected Data Portal which now hosts almost 100 open datasets about National Grid’s network infrastructure and operations, including a number of live data sources.

To increase engagement with the newly published data, the Catapult helped to identify some key challenges that could be solved with data and engaged the innovator community through data challenge competitions.

Outcomes of the Presumed Open Data challenge included:

• 365 Registrations for the kick-off event with individuals come from 72 different organisations/institutions, 15 different countries and 30 universities
• 55 teams –  a total of 142 individuals – participated in a least one round
• By the 5th round of tasks, 37 teams survived and and of those 65% outscored the benchmark with the Top 5 teams participating in a special “Value in Energy Data Seminar”
• A number participants publishing their work in peer reviewed academic journals and highlighting our data challenge approach as a useful way to link academic talent with industry need.