Commenting on the upcoming Clean Flexibility Roadmap update to be published by DESNZ, Dr David Wright FREng CEng FIET MIGEM, Member of the NEPC Clean Power Advisory Working Group, said:
“The consumer-led flexibility target of 10-12GW, a NESO requirement to operate the 2030 system and a critical component of the Clean Power 2030 target, won’t be achieved without rapid digitalisation of the electricity system, something that isn’t being prioritised at the moment. Digitalisation is also essential to delivering a resilient service and reducing energy bills for consumers, but at the National Engineering Policy Centre, we’re concerned that progress on it is too slow. That’s why we’re calling on government to increase its pace in tackling this crucial issue, and to get the necessary coordination and oversight in place to deliver effective digitalisation as soon as possible.”
Notes for editors
- The National Engineering Policy Centre’s report, ‘Smarter energy systems for clean power’ urged the UK government to move faster on digitalisation of the electricity system or face serious risks.
- Digitalisation maximises the flexibility available on the electricity system through automation and data-driven decision-making. To deliver on the consumer-led flexibility target, that is supported by NESO’s advice to DESNZ on what is required to operate the 2030 system, clear timelines need to be set for:
- Smart meter rollout and upgrades
- Rapid delivery of market-wide half hourly settlement
- Accelerated progress on interoperable software and hardware
- Data accessibility
- Asset registration
- Consumer content for data sharing
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