Survey finds energy data usage is growing in Europe but sector not truly data-centric

The survey, ‘The State of European Energy Data Maturity’, finds organisational maturity is growing but challenges centre on culture, data quality and technology.

The study, which was conducted by data specialist Opendatasoft in conjunction with sector associations E.DSO and GEODE, finds that education is no longer necessary at a senior level as organisations understand how data can solve their pressing strategic and operational challenges.

Moreover, the majority of companies now have a data-sharing strategy in place, backed up by governance mechanisms and budgets.

However, data is primarily being used to meet regulatory requirements, improve efficiency and deliver affordable services, rather than to underpin decision making, collaboration or innovation.

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“The European energy sector is transforming to meet key objectives around decarbonisation, digitisation, security of supply and greater efficiency,” said Jean-Marc Lazard, CEO and co-founder of Opendatasoft.

“Data sharing across the wider ecosystem is critical to enabling them to meet their pressing challenges. On the positive side, our study shows that energy players understand the benefits of putting data at the heart of their operations. However, they still have a way to go to achieve data democratisation and make data access and reuse simple and seamless for everyone, inside and outside the organisation.”

The study was based on a survey of 51 executives from across the European energy sector, including DSOs, TSOs, energy producers and other players, in Q3 2023.

Critical role of data affirmed

Specifically, the survey found that a unanimous 100% affirmed the critical role of data in enhancing efficiency, with almost all also recognising its importance in facilitating digital transformation and attributing it to an increase in transparency.

However, despite the recognition of these benefits, that a full embrace of a data-centric approach is yet to be achieved is indicated with only one-third basing their decisions on data analysis and just 31% have an open data portal.

Moreover, almost three-quarters are struggling with the challenges, with 84% reporting poor data quality as the primary obstacle while 73% indicated a lack of emphasis on fostering a data-centric culture and 64% the complexities associated with technical tools.

Despite these challenges, the survey found that companies recognise what they need to do to accelerate data usage and the shift to data democratisation, with most having a comprehensive range of far-reaching plans for internal and external data usage to be implemented over the next two to three years.

Christian Buchel, Chair of E.DSO, commenting on the findings said: “European DSOs are remodelling their businesses through data gathered by serving customers, from smart meters, grid capacity analysis and planning, infrastructure operations, system operations and market facilitation.

“These efforts show the need for a smart digital infrastructure based on data exchange that ensures observability and control of energy flows in the future energy system.”

For the data laggards, the report recommends a four-step data maturity model based on understanding the company’s current level and using it to benchmark maturity progress moving forward.