The UK’s National Energy System Operator (NESO) today set out new goals for the digitalisation of the energy sector to help meet the Government’s clean power targets.
The roadmap has been created by NESO in collaboration with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ofgem, industry partners and wider stakeholders.
The Sector Digitalisation Plan identifies 16 actions that are needed to make Clean Power by 2030 a reality, and names the organisations that can best deliver these outcomes.
NESO said that to achieve Clean Power by 2030, the whole energy system will need to use advanced modelling, artificial intelligence and align with data from other impacted economic sectors.
These requirements demand a foundational digital energy system that supports the creation, processing, sharing, and interpretation of data with digitalised tooling and processes, the organisation said.
The 16 actions outlined in the report are shared across multiple stakeholders – including the Retail Energy Code company (RECCo), the Data Communications Company (DCC), Elexon and other industry partners.
Future iterations of the Sector Digitalisation Plan will incorporate ongoing sector feedback and identify new owners to deliver existing gaps where suitable owners have not so far been identified. NESO said this will ensure the plan evolves in line with technology, policy and system needs.
NESO’s chief information officer Shubhi Rajnish said: “To reach Clean Power by 2030, Great Britain needs robust digital infrastructure and seamless integration across systems, sectors and society.
“The Sector Digitalisation Plan sets the roadmap to deliver the lasting digital journey needed to make these goals a reality.
“We very much see this as the first iteration and look forward to feedback as well as keeping pace with evolving digital and technology landscape.
“Working together with Government, Ofgem and wider stakeholders 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.”
Energy Minister Michael Shanks (pictured) added: “As we deliver on our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower, digitalisation will be a crucial tool in transforming our energy system, helping to deliver clean power and cutting costs for families across the country.
“A flexible electricity system can help people to lower their bills through taking advantage of new tariffs and technologies – and we are working with NESO and partners to deliver this.”
The Sector Digitalisation Plan can be viewed on NESO’s website.