The UK requires a dedicated and empowered digital architecture function to coordinate the expanding portfolio of energy system digital infrastructure in the long-term interests of consumers and the system. Without such coordination, inconsistent standards, fragmented platforms and duplicated investment risk drives up costs, slows innovation and undermines progress towards net zero.

Key points

• Address current system risks: The benefits of digitalisation will only be realised if digital architecture is embedded within overall system architecture and planning, rather than treated as a separate layer.
• Recognise the governance gap: At present no single organisation combines the mandate, capability and neutrality needed to coordinate these issues across the sector. Cross cutting architectural questions fall between institutional boundaries.
• Provide core architectural functions: Elements that can turn architecture from a static document into an active, strategic process that links policy objectives to design guidance and implementation support include:
  • a shared, technology agnostic target architecture;
  • common data standards and models;
  • robust governance to support consistent implementation;
  • transparency of key digital building blocks and interfaces;
  • targeted capability building, particularly for smaller actors;
  • consumer protection, cyber security and system resilience.
• Steward a common architecture document: We support the development of a common digital architecture resource for the sector, or a small suite of related artefacts, provided it is actively maintained as a living resource.
• Provide enduring stewardship: In the near term, we see value in a time limited, cross sector coordination mechanism to align live programmes, co-develop the target architecture and design principles, and identify gaps that need to be addressed by the sector. Over time, responsibilities should be consolidated into a permanent architectural function, supported by stable funding, clear accountability and periodic review of scope.