From Opportunity to Action: Defining the data infrastructure for I&C flexibility

Flexibility - adjusting energy consumption in response to grid signals - is a key enabler of the transition to Net Zero and forms a major part of the government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. Within this context, Industrial and Commercial (I&C) consumers are anticipated to more than double current flexibility provision to 1.7GW by 2030.

I&C flexibility isn't one-size-fits-all. It spans a spectrum - from direct demand response, where consumption is increased or decreased for a set period, to more sophisticated coordination of co-located technologies like solar, battery storage, heat pumps, and EV fleets. 

What connects these approaches is data. Granular and trusted data sharing enables I&C sites to assess what options are feasible for their business and maximise the benefits of participating in flexibility markets. Electricity networks also need real-time, high quality data to plan and operate their networks, and to balance supply and demand. Without this, take-up of I&C flexibility will not meet its full potential, or will be costly to implement.

There is a clear and under-served market need for I&C actors to be able to easily and securely exchange data between authorised parties in order to assess, plan, and implement flexibility that is mutually beneficial for their businesses and the wider grid. 

Open Energy seeks to collaboratively define and develop a data sharing scheme to accelerate consumer led I&C flexibility at market scale. If flexibility has an impact on your organisation - be it as an opportunity, a challenge, or a dependency - join our webinar on the 23rd April from 2-3pm to learn more. The webinar will provide an overview of the current state of play in I&C flex, discussion of opportunities, barriers and learning, and Q&A.

Participation from high demand energy consumers, I&C suppliers, flexibility service providers, aggregators, innovators, and networks are particularly welcomed.

If you want to read more about our approach to I&C Flex, you can read our blog here, with further information about Open Energy here.