The Energy Systems Catapult (ESC) is aiming to build a platform to store data from internal and partner projects.
Its Energy Revolution Integration Service (ERIS), which provides guidance on selected projects, has identified a gap in which data is not being collected on a number of relevant projects, despite them using common datasets and services. It is aiming to build the platform to fill the gaps.
The move reflects the thrust of the recently published Strategy for Modern Digitalised Energy Systems towards making greater use of data in the sector.
ESC – the Government backed programme aimed at transforming the energy system – has published a procurement notice for the building and operation of the platform, which it says should be able to make the data available publicly as well as internally or privately between project partners.
It values the work at around £500,000, with the contract to run for four years.
This comes after last month’s publication of the strategy document by the Energy Data Taskforce setting out recommendations to modernise the UK energy system making better use of data and digital technology.
Filling gaps and open data
Its two key principles are to fill in the data gaps and to embed the presumption in favour of open data.
Recommendations include ensuring that relevant data is discoverable, searchable and understandable, that it has common structures, interfaces and standards, and is secure and resilient.
They also include the creation of a data catalogue using standardised metadata of energy systems datasets, and the co-ordination of asset registration to improve compliance and the reliability of the relevant data.
In addition, the strategy calls for a unified digital system map of the energy system to increase visibility of its infrastructure and assets.
Speaking at the time of its launch, Energy and Clean Growth Minister Chris Skidmore said: “Transparent and accessible data will become ever more important as the UK develops its smart, green energy system. The way we share and harness that data will help us all as we move towards the greater use of low carbon technologies such as solar panels, battery storage systems and electric vehicles.
“The recommendations in this report will help to ensure data is at the forefront of our low carbon energy system which will continue to go from strength to strength as we power towards becoming a net zero economy by 2050.”
Image by Nikk, CC BY 2.0
