A study co-authored by University of Bath researchers, focused on developing a data sharing infrastructure within the UK’s energy systems to help reach Net Zero, has been positively received by the UK Government.

The Government today shared a positive response to the 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 the University of Bath and the Energy Systems Catapult. 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.

Professor Furong Li, Deputy Director of the Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems and a global expert in power networks, led Bath’s contribution to the feasibility study. She 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.

“I’m delighted that the work of teams here at the University of Bath is helping the energy industry prepare and adapt to a low-carbon world by developing new technical, digital and commercial solutions.”

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 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.

The 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.”

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”

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.”

Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath, added: “We are very pleased that the University of Bath and the Supergen Hub for Energy Networks made such an impactful contribution to this major step forward for digital infrastructure for the government, industry and energy communities.”

Professor Tim Ibell, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Design, said: “To see such impact so quickly after our investment in the new Net Zero Energy Systems Laboratory is very pleasing indeed. It underlines the need for interdisciplinary, digital-based solutions to our world’s most pressing energy problems. I am thrilled to see Furong and her colleagues demonstrating such magnificent leadership in this field.”

The University of Bath team has recently been strengthened by appointments of two Professors in Practice – Professor Nigel Turvey, the former DSO and Future Networks Manager of National Grid Electricity Distribution, and Professor Lewis Dale, the former Regulatory Strategy Manager of National Grid Electricity Transmission. They bring to the University more than 70 years of industrial experience in network strategy, power markets and energy system digitalisation.