Empowering the Future of Energy with Data Sharing
In response to the UK's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, Endava collaborated with ElectraLink to develop a flexible energy data platform known as Flexr. This platform aimed to revolutionize the UK energy sector by providing a solution to address data silos and facilitate better planning for sustainable energy sources nationwide.
As the Product Strategy Lead on this project, my role was instrumental in guiding the platform's direction and overseeing its development, bringing forth this transformative solution.
Platform Vision
I co-drafted a statement that emphasizes Flexr – the new platform’s role in facilitating UK energy market transformation, highlights its pioneering position, and underscores the value of collaboration among key market participants.
Flexr is pioneering a transformation in the UK energy market towards a sustainable, zero-carbon future by enhancing the transparency, accessibility, and security of energy data.
We are empowering all accredited participants in the UK energy market to seamlessly access essential DNOs and DERs* data. By fostering a more efficient and inclusive energy landscape, we enable market participants to unlock the full potential of flexible energy solutions, driving the UK's transition towards a renewable energy future.
Notes: What are DNOs and DERs?
DNO stands for Distribution Network Operator, which refers to companies responsible for operating, maintaining, and developing the electricity distribution network within a specific region in the UK. There are 14 licensed DNOs in the UK.
DERs stand for Distributed Energy Resources, encompass a wide range of small-scale electricity supply or demand resources that are connected to the local distribution network. Examples of DERs include solar photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, battery storage, and electric vehicles. These resources can be used to support the grid during peak times, reduce dependencies on traditional power plants, and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
Target Markets
The target market for Flexr includes key stakeholders within the UK energy sector, such as Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), flexibility service providers, energy suppliers, and energy data aggregators. Flexr primarily focuses on enabling these parties to participate more effectively in the flexibility market.
Flexr's target market encompasses a wide range of stakeholders within the UK energy market. Given the UK's commitment to achieving a zero-carbon future and the growing importance of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and flexibility services for grid stability and efficiency, Flexr is targeting a significant and rapidly evolving segment of the energy market, aiming to facilitate their participation and innovation.
This segment includes a diverse array of participants, from traditional energy suppliers and DNOs to innovative energy service companies and technology providers looking to leverage the opportunities presented by a more flexible and sustainable energy system.
In the UK, 14 licensed Distribution Network Operators (DNOs*) are responsible for different regions, each owned by one of six company groups – who play a crucial role in distributing electricity from the high-voltage transmission grid to end-users.
The nearly doubled rate of domestic solar panel installations in 2022 compared to 2021 underscores the accelerating adoption of solar energy among UK households. As of 2023, an estimated 1.3 million UK homes have solar panel installations, accounting for only 4.1% of the approximately 29 million homes in the UK. This highlights a substantial opportunity for growth from DERs within the flexibility market.
Notes: Who are the DNOs?
There are 14 licensed Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) in the UK, owned by six company groups. These include major companies such as UK Power Networks, National Grid Electricity Distribution, and SP Energy Networks, which indicate diverse and comprehensive coverage across the country.
Target User Groups
Flexr's target user groups encompasses a wide range of stakeholders and key players within the UK energy market.
Based on the significance they represent for the Flexr data platform, here are the top Flexr stakeholders and target user groups:
DNO (Distribution Network Operator): DNOs own and operate the distribution network of wires and towers that bring electricity from the national transmission network to homes and businesses. They are crucial for Flexr as they directly manage the infrastructure that Flexr aims to optimize with data for flexibility and efficiency.
Flexibility Service Providers: These entities specialize in offering services that help balance the grid by managing the variability of demand and supply. They can use Flexr to access valuable data that supports decision-making in real-time energy trading, demand response, and other flexibility services.
Energy Suppliers: Companies that sell electricity and gas to homes and businesses. For Flexr, these are key users because they require accurate and timely data to manage their purchasing strategies, customer pricing, and to explore opportunities in flexibility markets.
ESO/TO (Electricity System Operator/Transmission Operator): Responsible for the operation of the electricity system and its transmission network. ESOs and TOs need the data and insights provided by Flexr to ensure system reliability and to plan for future infrastructure needs.
Energy Data Aggregator: Companies that collect, process, and analyze energy data from various sources. For Flexr, these aggregators are important as they can use the platform's data to provide enhanced services to other stakeholders, including predictive analytics and market insights.
Distributed Generator/Developer: Entities that generate electricity from renewable sources (e.g., solar, wind) and are connected to the local distribution network. Flexr's data platform can assist them in optimizing production, accessing flexibility markets, and managing grid connections.
Government, Arms-Length Body, or Regulator: These are entities responsible for setting policies, regulations, and overseeing the energy market. They use data and insights from platforms like Flexr for policy-making, regulatory decisions, and to ensure the market operates efficiently and sustainably.
Flexibility Provider or Platform Provider: Companies that offer technologies or platforms enabling flexibility in energy consumption or production. These providers use Flexr to enhance their offerings, integrate with the broader energy system, and access market opportunities.
Consumer Body/Charity/Non for Profit: Organizations that represent the interests of energy consumers, especially vulnerable groups. They can use Flexr's insights to advocate for policies and practices that ensure fair access to energy, and support renewable energy adoption.
Approach
Overview of the guiding principles that shaped the platform/product, along with the formulation of the product strategy and plan.
Clarify Platform Value Proposition
To lay the groundwork for Flexr's development, we conducted extensive user research and market analysis to understand the data needs of our target user groups and key challenges within the UK energy market. This involved collaborating with industry stakeholders, conducting user interviews, and analyzing existing data infrastructure. By gaining insights into the intricacies of energy data management and stakeholder requirements, we were able to clarify and align on Flexr’s core value proposition.
User Feedback Sessions to Inform Next Sprint
We adopted Agile methodologies to enable iterative development and rapid prototyping, ensuring flexibility and adaptation to evolving requirements.
Beginning in month 3, we also organize monthly user feedback sessions with various target user groups to gather insights and thoughts on the platform experience and feature development. This user feedback then informs the design and further enhances features in the next sprint.
Streamlining MVP Delivery with Continuous Integration and Deployment
Throughout the design and development process of Flexr, cross-functional collaboration played a pivotal role, engaging product owners, designers, developers, testers, and energy industry experts. To enhance efficiency and accelerate time-to-market, we adopted CICD practices. By embracing iterative feedback loops and conducting thorough user testing, the Flexr platform evolved from concept to reality with a successful delivery of the first MVP within a 12-month timeframe.
Flexr centralizes and standardizes UK energy market data.
By combining DNO and DER information, Flexr streamlines the electricity and distributed energy resource management for the UK market. It providing users with intuitive graphical interfaces, flexible asset search functions, and immediate access to flexibility market reports and insights.
Display all individual DNO and DER assets on a single map
Flexr ensures simple and secure user access through a registration process with two-factor authentication. Once registered, users can access both DNO and DER information conveniently in one location, featuring both graphical and tabular views of assets.
Search and Filter assets from both Map and Table view
The platform provides an asset map with a search function, allowing filtering by DNO, license area, asset class, and type, or any combination thereof. Users can easily navigate, zoom in, and zoom out on the map to locate specific areas or assets of interest.
Detailed Information on a Specific Asset
After identifying an asset via the map or tabular view, users can double-click on it to reach its detail page.
This page presents data for connected registered DER assets, including 14 months of import and export records. Users have the ability to:
Display the data in graphical or tabular formats.
Apply filters to view consumption data for selected timeframes.
Claim ownership of an asset for themselves or their organization, which will then be displayed on their organization's homepage.
Topology View for Enhanced Network Visualization
In addition to the map and tabular views, we have also introduced the Topology view—especially beneficial for DNO users. This feature enables the display of a geospatial topology overlay, illustrating the overhead lines and underground cables as they traverse the terrain. Users can overlay their DER assets in proximity to existing DNOs network infrastructure.
Access Flexibility Market Insights and Reports
Flexr provides users with valuable insights through a variety of reports. This includes the DER Data Quality Report, offering a comprehensive overview of data integrity and accuracy; Flexibility Market Trends, highlighting the evolving dynamics of the market; and the Gazetteer, functioning as a directory that displays key market players and participants in the UK's flexibility market. These resources are designed to equip users with the knowledge needed to navigate the UK flexibility energy market.
Result and Impact
The debut of Flexr has been a pivotal development for the UK's flexibility market, initiating crucial dialogue and cooperation among DNOs by offering an innovative approach to overcome data fragmentation and promote a shift toward a carbon-neutral future. The platform has enhanced industry transparency and fostered collaboration, enabling stakeholders to make well-informed decisions and adopt more sustainable energy strategies. Receiving positive feedback from industry stakeholders and clients, Flexr is poised to catalyze further positive transformations within the UK energy landscape.
As Product Strategy Lead, I take pride in having contributed to this meaningful project, advancing green energy solutions and aiding the UK in achieving its ambitious sustainability objectives.
“With a comprehensive strategic roadmap for future developments, I am optimistic about Flexr's significant contribution to fostering a sustainable and resilient energy ecosystem in the UK.” – CSO, Electralink
“The opportunity for opening up data through Flexr can become an important pillar in the timely and cost-efficient decarbonisation of the GB energy system. We are very keen to engage with Flexr to develop a thriving data sharing eco-system which can be win-win for Piclo. – CEO, Piclo”
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