Energy system ‘digital spine’ feasibility study (closed to applications)
The aims of this feasibility study are to establish the needs case, benefits, scope and costs of an energy system ‘digital spine’.
Documents
Details
The energy system ‘digital spine’ feasibility study is an opportunity to contribute to policy development for the digitalisation of our energy system. A smart, flexible energy system can improve our energy security and help deliver net zero by 2050 at least cost to the consumer. The opportunity is worth up to £204,000 (excluding VAT).
To deliver the British Energy Security Strategy and meet our net zero targets, we need a smart, flexible electricity system underpinned by data and digitalisation. In the UK’s first Energy Digitalisation Strategy published in 2021, the government set out how only a digitalised energy system can withstand the millions of new energy flows every second from low carbon technologies (such as heat pumps, solar, batteries, and electric vehicle charge points) connecting to the grid over the coming years.
The Energy Digitalisation Taskforce was commissioned by BEIS, Ofgem and Innovate UK to continue our focus on modernising the energy system to unlock flexibility and drive clean growth. In January 2022, the Taskforce published their report, including a proposal to create a ‘digital spine’ for the energy system in support of delivering interoperability across the sector. BEIS committed to procuring a study to examine the opportunities, risks and potential architectures of a ‘digital spine’ in the joint BEIS, Ofgem and Innovate UK response to the Taskforce.
The Energy Digitalisation Taskforce report describes ‘a digital spine’ as “a thin layer of interaction and interoperability across all players which enables a minimal layer of operation critical data to be ingested, standardised and shared in near real time”. The report sets out that a ‘digital spine’ could facilitate efficient system operation, improve access to new markets, and support development of new services for a smart and flexible energy system.
The energy system ‘digital spine’ feasibility study is split into 2 Phases over 6 months:
- Phase 1 – Scope and Stakeholder engagement
- Phase 2 – Feasibility and Delivery
How to apply
Now closed to applications.
Online information event, 8 September 2022
We held an online information event to provide further information on how to apply for the energy system ‘digital spine’ feasibility study. Download the slides from the online information event (PowerPoint).
Background
This programme is part of the Flexibility Innovation Programme which seeks to enable large-scale widespread electricity system flexibility through smart, flexible, secure, and accessible technologies and markets.
The Flexibility Innovation Programme will fund innovation across a range of key smart energy applications, and sits within the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP).
Updates to this page
Last updated 17 March 2023 + show all updates
-
Link to details of successful project added.
-
BEIS Contract Offer Letter added and new clarification questions with answers published.
-
Application deadline was published incorrectly.
-
First published.