Innovative new data sharing tool being trialled by Project LEO

Project LEO partner Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has launched a new and innovative network data tool which will be trialled by the project.

The ‘Near Real-time Data Access’ (NeRDA) tool will provide stakeholders and participants in LEO’s trials with near real-time access to data, helping inform local plans, products, and services in the region. The NeRDA tool is going beyond existing data sharing methods by examining how near real-time data can be best used by stakeholders.

The near real-time data identifies areas where flexibility could be used or where network reinforcement will be needed. NeRDA continues SSEN’s commitment to provide open data and share electricity demand estimates with stakeholders. It is being trialled in Oxfordshire, where just under 100 low voltage monitors were installed earlier this year as part of Project LEO.

Colin Mathieson, DSO and Innovation Delivery Manager at SSEN said:

“Data sharing will play a crucial role in the net zero journey. We are excited to be trialling this project with a wide variety of stakeholders in Oxfordshire and to be promoting data sharing. We have made this data publicly available and will continue to work alongside the households, businesses, and communities we serve to deliver a fair, cost-effective and secure transition to a net zero future.

“NeRDA is playing a key role in supporting a cost-effective and efficient transition to net zero. As we decarbonise heat and transport and move towards low carbon technologies, knowing current demand on the electricity network will help in identifying new opportunities for low carbon technologies, flexibility, and reinforcement.”

Project NeRDA is an 18-month Network Innovation Allowance project which was awarded £447,035 in funding. The project will support the move to a flexible, decentralised energy system underpinned by rich, local and accessible data.