| Overview: Consultation deadline: 5pm UK, 15 March 2024 Please fill out submissions using this form or send submissions to: research@ib1.org Comments are particularly encouraged from all transmission system operators (TSOs) and distribution network operators (DNOs) in the energy sector, however responses from other organisations with similar assets such as water, rail and telecommunications are also welcomed. Your feedback will be used to shape a set of recommendations on sector readiness for data sharing and data interoperability for the NIMBUS use case. |
Background
Icebreaker One, in partnership with SSEN Transmission, IBM and Palantir, is working on the NIMBUS (Network Innovation and Meteorology to BUild for Sustainability) project, which aims to accelerate the transition to net zero by prolonging the life of energy assets through the introduction of granular weather data sources into the asset risk modelling methodologies. The NIMBUS project is funded by the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), the SIF is delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.
In this consultation we present key findings from NIMBUS regarding the asset data sharing practices in the UK energy sector and the use of granular weather data as part of the CBRM (Condition Based Risk Management) methodology.
We seek your input to ensure that we capture a wide range of expertise and views that reflect the data sharing landscape relevant to the NIMBUS use case, specifically pertaining to data on energy asset management. The proposals presented in this consultation draw from prior NIMBUS project work incorporating desk research, Advisory Groups convening various members of TSO and DNO organisations, and stakeholder interviews to evaluate the current landscape of asset data sharing and the approaches to CBRM in the sector.
Important Details about the Consultation below:
- The consultation is open until 5pm on 12 March 2024.
- Please submit your responses to: julija.hansena@ib1.org
- In your response , please indicate whether you are happy for your response to be published openly, attributed to you and/or your organisation.
- If confidentiality is requested, your submission will be anonymised when Icebreaker One publishes their response. Please email Julija to discuss if you have specific anonymity requirements.
- Comments are particularly encouraged from all transmission system operators (TSOs) and distribution network operators (DNOs) in the energy sector, however responses from utilities with similar assets such as water, rail and telecommunications are also welcomed.
Proposal
Through analysis of data gathered via Advisory Groups, stakeholder interviews and desk research, we have identified the following approaches to asset data sharing and the use of CBRM in the energy sector:
Statement 1
The sector is generally embracing the concepts of open data and data sharing, especially since the publication of Ofgem’s Data Best Practice Guidance which promotes data sharing and reuse. Many TSOs and DNOs have created their own open data portals (e.g. SSEN-T Open Data Portal, SSEN-D Data Portal), however there is still a noticeable lack of shared data standards, methodologies and tools that govern asset data sharing in this sector.
Questions about Statement 1:
- What is your organisation’s experience of sharing asset data?
- Are there any data standards, methodologies or tools that are used in your organisation to facilitate data sharing and publication of this type of data?
Statement 2
CBRM is a widely utilised methodology across the energy sector to facilitate asset risk management and reporting. However, asset managers report that it is somewhat limited in its approach and may well benefit from integrating weather data experienced locally by assets into the asset risk modelling process. Project NIMBUS aims to address this by assisting to integrate granular weather data into asset risk assessment methodologies, with the aim of optimising asset inspection schedules and subsequently reducing asset degradation and the associated costs.
Questions about Statement 2:
- In your organisation, are weather conditions experienced by assets currently integrated into the asset risk assessment methodologies?
- If so, have you been able to measure and quantify the impact this has had on your asset inspection and maintenance cycles and the associated costs?
Statement 3
TSOs and DNOs handle large volumes of data of various levels of sensitivities, which need to be handled appropriately. In order to assist with data security, as well as enable data sharing between organisations, a framework like data sensitivity classes can be applied. For the NIMBUS use case, SSEN-T Open Data Portal makes use of a data triage process which is applied to all SSEN-T datasets prior to publication, with the results of the triage processes being published here. The data sensitivity classification framework that forms part of this triage process is closely aligned with IB1’s data sensitivity classes, whilst simultaneously adopting the classes to fit the needs of the business.
Questions about Statement 3:
- Are there any existing data triage processes or frameworks that aid in assessing data sensitivity levels of asset data in your organisation?
- Are they based on any existing processes or frameworks?
How can you help?
We are seeking responses to the 6 questions listed in the ‘Proposal’ section above. It should take no more than 30 minutes to respond. The consultation is open until 5pm UK on 12 March 2024 and responses are encouraged from all transmission system operators and distribution network operators in the energy sector, as well as adjacent organisations working on matters relevant to the NIMBUS use case.
To submit your responses, or if you have any queries please email: research@ib1.org