UK government has today shared a positive response to an assessment of the viability of developing an energy system data sharing infrastructure (DSI), setting clear commitments for its development and confirming its potential contribution to the energy sector.
Commissioned by the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the six-month Digital Spine Feasibility Study was undertaken by Energy Systems Catapult in partnership with global engineering and sustainable development consultancy Arup, and the University of Bath. It outlines the needs case, and the potential of data sharing and digital infrastructure to help enable the UK transition to an affordable, resilient and Net Zero energy system, ultimately unlocking a more efficient, decentralised energy ecosystem to benefit end customers.
The study’s outputs, which were published today alongside the response, presents the cumulative thinking of the consortium, along with the 100+ individuals and cross-sector organisations that were consulted in the co-creation of what has now become the concept of a DSI.
The Catapult, Arup, and the University of Bath put forward three recommendations to progress work on a data sharing infrastructure, including the development of a minimum viable product (MVP), establishing governance for successful delivery, and for Government to publish their decision. The UK government’s response outlines commitments to build on these recommendations, supporting the initial pilot and MVP and helping to accelerate the digitalisation of the sector.
Explored through the lens of priority and strategic energy sector use cases, the study defined user journeys, technical architecture, security considerations, and assessed governance models and delivery routes necessary to implement a data sharing infrastructure within the energy sector.
The study follows the recommendations outlined by the Energy Digitalisation Taskforce in 2022 regarding the need for a thin layer of technical processes and governance to allow the secure sharing of energy data. As well as enabling market integration, the development of a DSI will help to better mobilise innovation as part of the wider climate and the Net Zero agenda.
[Extract from published response] Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said:
“We thank Arup, Energy Systems Catapult and the University of Bath for their expertise and passion in delivering the study. The work involved a huge amount of open, stakeholder engagement which we believe has had a positive impact on the sector. We thank all stakeholders for their contribution.”
Dr Richard Dobson, Business Leader: Digital, Energy Systems Catapult said:
“We’re thrilled about DESNZ’s positive response. This, along with Ofgem’s consultation on the Governance of a data sharing infrastructure, shows that the UK is serious about digital infrastructure for the energy sector and will support countless innovators who are delivering products and services to help realise a Net Zero energy system.”
Simon Evans, Global Digital Energy Leader, Arup said:
“We welcome today’s positive response to the Digital Spine Feasibility Study, and the clear commitments for delivering an energy system data sharing infrastructure. Such digital infrastructure will provide a secure and resilient mechanism for data sharing at scale, reducing current perceivable barriers and enabling greater industry collaboration.”
Professor Furong Li, Deputy Director of the Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems, University of Bath said:
“DESNZ’s positive response continue to make a whole-system approach a reality to drive an eco-energy system with a greater mutual understanding and collaboration, bringing together large and small energy players behind Net Zero to accelerate innovation, competition and participation.”