As explored in Expleo’s recent report, Transitioning to renewables at scale, for the energy industry to achieve its Net Zero targets, efficiency, transparency and innovation are even more important. Could open data help the industry to become more efficient, transparent and innovative?
Expleo has worked closely with the UK energy sector regulators to support open data initiatives and to show that effective collaboration can help the industry overcome regulatory challenges.
By embracing open data, where digital information is freely available to everyone (or selected parties) to access, use and share, and benefiting from these improvements, companies within the sector will be better equipped to transition to renewables.
Without open data, the energy industry may remain fragmented and miss opportunities to reduce costs and enhance energy security and, ultimately, fail to meet Net Zero goals. Here, Xanthe Bennett, Head of Data Solutions at Expleo, explores the potential benefits and challenges of open data for the industry.
Three benefits of open data
1. Greater industry collaboration
Open data integration can support collaboration around energy pricing, consumer choice and overall efficiency. For example, sharing data helps consumers take advantage of smart tariffs and drives more accurate forecasting, ultimately leading to lower energy costs, improved service reliability and increased transparency across the market.
The practice breaks down barriers between utilities, suppliers, grid operators and even government bodies, creating a holistic view of the entire energy system. This kind of transparency leads to improved supply chain management and grid resilience, and more effective decision making.
The Nordic power markets are at the heart of Europe’s energy transition, showcasing how open data sharing across borders can optimise energy management, increase efficiency and support renewable energy integration [1].
2. Greater industry collaboration
Sharing data optimises resource allocation and improves operational processes, which cuts costs. By breaking down barriers between companies, we can identify inefficiencies such as delays, yielding data-driven improvements for significant savings.The Crown Estate’s Marine Data Exchange shares data collected during offshore wind farm projects [2].
This process has helped both developers and regulators to mitigate environmental impact and streamline project approvals, resulting in reduced costs and more efficient renewable energy deployment.
3. Innovation and adaptation
Access to broader datasets helps innovation thrive. This can result in dynamic energy pricing, improved energy storage management and predictive maintenance. This prevents potential equipment failures by addressing issues proactively. Real-time data sharing is critical to modernise the energy grid and integrate renewable energy more effectively. Reliable real-time data also ensures grid stability, allowing for ongoing adjustments to energy supply and demand, which is important for integrating renewable sources.
AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies supercharge open data by forecasting demand surges, improving load balancing and providing real-time grid management, making open data a powerful tool for innovation and sustainability.
Three challenges holding back open data adoption
1. Cultural resistance and legacy systems
Despite these benefits, some industry players are reluctant to share data, fearing a loss of competitive advantage or having concerns around data privacy or regulation. If participation is limited, so too are the benefits. Forward-thinking companies recognise that consumer-level data can be separated from proprietary data, allowing it to be shared as a collective tool for the industry’s benefit.
Outdated legacy systems, which lack the flexibility needed to support modern data-sharing practices, present an additional barrier. Addressing these issues requires both a cultural shift and a commitment to modernising existing systems. Once achieved, companies can overcome technological constraints and fully benefit from open data initiatives.
2. Data quality and hygiene
Poor-quality data diminishes value, but reliable data must be organised and consistent, with defined standards that avoid miscommunication and wasted effort. The European Commission’s Common European Energy Data Space (CEEDS) aims to transform the energy landscape by enhancing data accessibility and fostering innovation across the sector.
The expected outcomes include technical infrastructures that cover all essential components, such as data models, exchange APIs and governance systems. These infrastructures will address various use cases, from managing distributed energy resources to optimising electric vehicle charging, enhancing the efficiency of electricity grids and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources [3].
3. Regulatory and compliance barriers
The need to meet regulations around data privacy and security makes companies hesitant to share. Balancing transparency with data privacy is essential, and frameworks like ‘always open’ versus restricted data sharing provide a way to manage these trade-offs effectively.
Expleo’s work with energy sector regulators shows these barriers can be managed. A pilot project improved data sharing, enhanced grid management and reduced costs [4]. This success highlights that, with careful planning, substantial benefits, such as operational efficiency and innovation, are achievable. The pilot showed how other companies can adopt similar open data practices, and how balancing regulation and transparency can benefit the industry.
We need a balanced approach that protects sensitive information while enabling collaboration. Regulations should support, not hinder, data transparency, with frameworks that encourage sharing by default while safeguarding genuinely sensitive data.
Moving forward with open data
Overcoming these challenges is crucial not only for reaching Net Zero but also for unlocking efficiency gains, cost savings and fostering innovation. Full participation enables collective progress and resilience.
To build the smart grid, we need cultural change, regulatory support and industry collaboration. We must keep data accessible and stay committed to transparency.
Open data offers immense opportunities for better resource planning, streamlined operations and industry-wide innovation. The risks of inaction are significant. Now is the time to act.
To find out how Expleo can support smart data-driven energy and utilities solutions, contact us today.
References:
- Nordic power markets: at the heart of Europe’s energy transition, August 2021. Available here: https://www.woodmac.com/news/opinion/nordic-power-markets-at-the-heart-of-europes-energy-transition/
- Marine Data Exchange https://www.marinedataexchange.co.uk/
- European Commission’s Common European Energy Data Space (CEEDS): https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/european-commission-advances-development-common-european-energy-data-space-ceeds
