The image is a result of a collaboration with Ofgem, the UK regulator for energy markets. Ofgem is keen to oversee digitalisation of the sector as a collaborative process, intentionally leading the country to the sustainable transformation.

Through this image, Ofgem wanted to communicate that creating collaborative, interoperable, and secure data sharing solutions across the energy sector is key for reaching Net Zero. Working on own APIs, data platforms or digital twins might seem more cost-efficient now but in the long run, without common standards and collaboration, siloes will block the stakeholders from developing innovative offerings and optimising networks.  

We have made this point using two contrasting and hypothetical scenarios:  Siloed Ecosystem Vs Common Good

Here the key takeaway is that everyone, from energy producers, through suppliers, networks to citizens, will benefit from working together on energy digitalisation:   

·       A common design of open data platforms will make data easier to find for anyone who needs access 

·       Shared API designs will facilitate comparative analytics across the industry   

·       Open data tools will reduce barriers to entry for any potential collaborators, especially novel data-driven businesses.   

Sharing energy data (ofgem) (PDF, 2,639kB)

 

Further reading:

• Energy data and digitalisation – recent reports from Ofgem