First blockchain based grid asset register launched

Electron, National Grid Electricity System Operator, SP Energy Networks and UK Power Networks have joined forces to create a shared register for generation and storage asset data.

17th June 2019 by Networks

First blockchain based grid asset register launched

The partners will build a “first-of-a-kind” shared asset register of electricity generation and storage connected to the transmission and distribution networks.

RecorDER will create a coherent view of assets connected to the energy network by integrating existing datasets in the industry. According to the partners, 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 the Energy Networks Association’s (ENA) 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.

Jo-Jo Hubbard, CEO and co-founder of Electron, said: “This is a great example of networks collaborating to deliver benefits to their customers. We are delighted to be working together with such key, forward thinking industry partners on a shared asset register. This is an important first step in the process of integrating distributed assets and allowing them to play their full role in balancing the electricity system.”

Carolina Tortora, head of NGSO Innovation, added: “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.”