Enabling interoperability and seamless data exchange in the energy sector
An energy data space framework developed within the EU-funded INTERSTORE project is expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating the integration of data spaces within the energy sector. The framework is described in a recent article posted on ‘Enlit’, an inclusive, end-to-end forum addressing all aspects of the energy agenda. The energy sector needs secure and efficient data sharing now more than ever. Challenges such as the rapid growth of renewable energy sources and smart grid technology and the rising demand for energy flexibility all point to the need for real-time, data-driven collaboration. “Sharing data across organisations allows for a more coordinated approach to energy production, distribution and consumption,” write the article authors Ferdinando Bosco and Marcantonio La Franca of INTERSTORE project partner Engineering - Ingegneria Informatica S.p.A. Italy. “This collaboration is essential to balance supply and demand, integrate renewable sources smoothly, predict and mitigate outages and optimise energy use across the grid.”
Seamless and secure
However, as the energy sector becomes more digitalised, robust data sharing mechanisms become more necessary. We need secure systems that can guarantee the seamless integration of distributed storage while also protecting sensitive information and maintaining grid reliability. “One of the primary goals of the energy dataspace framework is to establish an environment of trust and security. Through advanced data governance and authorisation protocols, each participant retains control over its own data, choosing what information to share and with whom, while ensuring compliance with privacy and security standards,” the article explains. The framework uses International Data Space and FIWARE standard architectures and building blocks. In addition, it has two core elements: the data space middleware and the energy dataspace connector. These features enable a complete end-to-end data exchange among energy stakeholders, enabling them to collaborate through standardised, secure and trusted data-sharing mechanisms. “The data space adoption is expected to have a transformative impact on the energy sector in the coming years. By creating a unified market for energy data, the data space will facilitate better data sharing and interoperability across the EU, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of energy systems.” The energy data space framework, which is currently being tested in real-life environments in Germany, Italy, Austria and Portugal, was among the innovative solutions advancing energy technology that INTERSTORE presented at the 2024 Enlit Conference held in Milan, Italy. As part of the event, Antonello Monti of project coordinator RWTH Aachen University, Germany, moderated an engaging session on collaborative efforts for interoperability and participated in a podcast interview, offering insights into the objectives and impacts of the INTERSTORE (Interoperable opeN-source Tools to Enable hybRidisation, utiliSation, and moneTisation of stORage flExibility) project. For more information, please see: INTERSTORE project website
Keywords
INTERSTORE, energy sector, data space, energy data space framework, data sharing, data exchange, energy storage, distributed storage