Image: NESO
The GB NESO has led the launch of the energy sector digitalisation plan with a set of 16 clear actions needed to deliver the ‘Clean Power 2030’ goals.
The Clean Power 2030 plan is focussed on achieving clean power for Britain by 2030 as a stepping stone towards net zero by 2050.
With its underpinning by digitalisation and focus on six outcomes – consumer simplicity, consumer led flexibility, grid decarbonisation and security, network access and connections, system operability and supply chain and workforce – the digitalisation plan, of which this is the first version, is aimed to identify the actions to meet the future system needs.
To achieve clean power by 2030, the whole energy system will need to use advanced modelling, AI and align with data from other impacted economic sectors. Thus a foundational digital energy system needs to support the creation, processing, sharing, and interpretation of data with digitalised tooling and processes.
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“To reach clean power by 2030 Great Britain needs robust digital infrastructure and seamless integration across systems, sectors and society,” says Shubhi Rajnish, chief information officer at the NESO.
“The sector digitalisation plan sets the roadmap to deliver the lasting digital journey needed to make these goals a reality. Working together the energy sector can deliver on its potential that will support not only clean power by 2030 but will support the integration of new technologies and energy needs over the coming decades.”
The plan was developed in collaboration with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ofgem, the Royal Academy of Engineering, industry partners and wider stakeholders.
The digitalisation plan, with actions for named industry players and intended outcomes to the Clean Power 2030 strategy, is built on three layers representing distinct aspects of the energy system.
The infrastructure and connectivity layer is focussed on the need for accurate data on the devices in the system, such as heat pumps and transformers, and the ability for that data to be shared with the right people at the right time. Key enablers are identified as consumer data, smart meters and device standards.
The second layer is integration, to facilitate data sharing and in turn enable the use of data that will allow flexibility markets to be optimised and will fully equip control rooms, and ensure the resilience of critical infrastructure.
The third activity coordination layer is the better visibility and management of the entire energy network that is enabled, from generation to distribution and consumption.
The NESO reports that several clear conclusions emerge from the mapping underlying the plan.
Integration and coordination are critical with modernising the energy system depending on seamless data sharing, well defined digital roles and alignment across the sector. But gaps exist in every focus area and from cybersecurity to consumer engagement and workforce development, there are significant challenges necessitating targeted actions.
A consumer-first approach to digital infrastructure is needed but data and cybersecurity must not be compromised and standardisation and shared data models are key.
Future iterations of the sector digitalisation plan are planned to incorporate ongoing sector feedback and identify new owners to deliver existing gaps where suitable owners have not so far been identified in order to ensure it evolves in line with technology, policy and system needs.
