Shared register collaboration announced

National Grid ESO is collaborating with Electron, SP Energy Networks and UK Power Networks to produce a shared register for generation and storage asset data (RecorDER).

RecorDER will create a coherent view of assets connected to the energy network by integrating existing datasets in the industry. The improved visibility and availability of asset data will enable new systems that facilitate decarbonisation and reduce the overall operating cost of the energy system.

The project builds on the work of both the Energy Data Taskforce and ENA’s Open Networks System Wide Resource Register, providing a secure way of granting access to existing databases owned by Network Operators, rather than creating new data silos. Network operators, aggregators and regulators can then collaborate to create shared datasets that implement industry agreed standards. Asset owners and managers can also link their assets to third party datasets or authorise their asset data to be used in connected systems.

By employing blockchain as an enabling technology, the integration layer can be deployed and hosted by collaborating parties, removing the requirement of either a large scale infrastructure project or a central party to host the system.

The first phase of the project will focus on mapping generation/storage assets with installed capacity over 1MW, utilising existing network data.

It will also outline more advanced applications of the platform, such as improving contractual visibility of assets and functionality for mapping assets into various market procurement processes, which will be the focus of subsequent phases.

Once complete, the project will look to extend the collaboration to incorporate more DNOs as well as mapping smaller energy resources, in turn improving system visibility.

Carolina Tortora, Head of National Grid System Operator Innovation, said: “Embracing new technology is essential to managing the energy system efficiently and RecorDER is one example of how we are working in partnership across the industry to identify new and exciting ways to work together. If successful, this register could lay the foundations for a robust GB-wide flexibility market across transmission and distribution, unlocking huge value for consumers and driving the transition to a low-carbon flexible energy future.”