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 global engineering and sustainable development consultancy Arup in partnership with Energy Systems Catapult 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.

Arup, the Catapult, 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 net zero agenda.