Commenting on the National Energy Systems Operator's new Sector Digitalisation Plan published today, Sir John Lazar CBE FREng, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said:
“Digitalising the grid to support a clean electricity system in 2030 and beyond will require fast and significant, coordinated action, with a clear set of roles and responsibilities. Urgent action is needed to further the smart meter rollout and ensure that smart devices like electric vehicles and heat pumps are compatible with smart and innovative tariffs to deliver improved outcomes for consumers.
“We welcome today’s publication of the NESO’s Sector Digitalisation Plan (SDP) and are pleased to have contributed to the report. The SDP is clear in setting out cross-sector actions that are needed to digitalise the electricity system and achieve many of the interim targets on the path to Clean Power, including delivering 10-12GW of flexible, consumer-led energy supply by 2030. The actions relating to smart meters and the deadline for implementing a Half Hourly Settlement will be crucial for success.
“We are glad to see recommendations to develop an enduring governance framework for data and digitalisation initiatives, as set out in the Clean Flexibility Roadmap, to publish regular Sector Digitalisation Plans and to consider a potential role specifically dedicated to coordinating the digital elements of the electricity grid. The need to establish a ‘digital architect’, ideally in NESO, and to establish a dedicated digitalisation delivery unit were high-level actions for government in the Academy’s report on Rapid Decarbonisation of the Electricity System published last year. The engineering community stands ready to be a partner of sensible, pragmatic advice and challenge, where necessary, and we welcome progress in these critical areas.”
Notes for editors
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