2020 was a challenging year, but the urgency of hitting net zero carbon emissions has remained. ENA’s Open Networks Project has built momentum throughout the past year, and in 2021 will continue to drive the key changes and innovation needed to transition to a net zero emissions smart grid.
Today ENA’s Open Networks Project launches two key publications: the 2021 Work Plan and consultation and the 2020 End of Year Review. The annual 2020 End of Year Review reflects on the progress made over the past 12 months and the 2021 Work Plan sets out a comprehensive view of the ambitious direction the project will take throughout the year and the outcomes it will achieve.
The workplan sets out priorities and timetables for key deliverables, and the consultation gives stakeholders from industry and beyond an opportunity to shape the direction and priorities of the project in 2021. The 6-week public consultation on the scope of work closes on 1 March 2021.
Now beginning its fifth year, the Open Networks Project has helped Britain to become a superpower of renewable energy. By implementing and standardising processes and practices where possible, the UKs energy networks are powering the ultimate goal of net zero carbon emissions. This year Open Networks will build on the momentum gained to deliver further improvements.
The project will expand its focus on its industry leading work on Flexibility Services, continue to deliver Distribution System Operation functionality and transparently report progress through the DSO Implementation Plan, improve the customer connections process, and deliver Whole Energy Systems Efficiencies. In 2021 the project will also move a number of products to open governance and change management to allow for enduring solutions that can be updated and refreshed in response to industry feedback. The consultation on the workplan allows for stakeholders from across the industry to let ENA know what their priorities are for Open Networks in the year ahead.
Commenting on the announcement, David Smith, Chief Executive at Energy Networks Association which represents the UK and Ireland’s energy networks businesses said:
“The momentum Open Networks has built, and the pivotal role it plays in the energy transition, will continue into 2021 with further delivery and enhancements that will make interacting with our system as easy as possible. The workplan consultation announced today allows stakeholders to directly shape the priorities and timelines for the project this year.
“2021 will be a year of action and delivery ahead of COP26 in Glasgow, and the Open Networks Project looks forward to collaborating with the whole industry, from BEIS and Ofgem to community groups all over the country, to deliver the vital changes to deliver net zero emissions.”
The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the urgency of Britain’s transition to a smart grid that works for all. Flexibility Services proved to be a valuable resource on the networks to keep Britain’s energy flowing, as the country shifted to home working and demand patterns changed throughout the country. Although the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic remain, the project will keep up the pace of change and seek to increase engagement.
The workplan and consultation are launched alongside the Open Networks 2020 End of Year Report. The report details the progress the networks have made towards implementing a net zero energy system, as well as the improvements made on the customer journey. Last year, Open Networks delivered an international first with a nation-wide standard contract for flexibility services, making it even easier to sell services to the networks, and allowing customers to earn additional revenue from their smart technology.
The networks also released an interactive DSO Implementation Plan to track progress towards implementing DSO functionality and made a huge commitment to data transparency by publishing Embedded Capacity Registers of assets over 1MW. With a relentless focus on innovation, Open Networks is ready to take the transition to the smart grid to the next level in 2021.
ENA – the voice of the networks
We’re Energy Networks Association, the industry body for the UK and Ireland’s energy networks. Our members own and operate the wires and pipes which carry electricity and gas into your community, supporting our economy.
The wires and pipes are the arteries of our economy, delivering energy to over 30 million homes and businesses across the UK and Ireland. To do this safely and reliably, the businesses which run the networks employ 45,000 people (36,000 in Great Britain) and have spent and invested over £60 billion in the last eight years.
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