UK Power Networks, in partnership with SGN, NESO and Guidehouse, has launched Indus 2.0, a research project that assesses the energy use of the UK’s industrial sector.
The project will tackle the challenges of energy use directly by creating the UK’s first secure, data-sharing platform between electricity and gas networks.
By combining datasets and building a shared view of industrial demand, Indus 2.0 will help network operators “make smarter infrastructure decisions, reduce uncertainty and accelerate the UK’s shift to a low-carbon economy”, the firms said.
The aim is to give planners and policy makers better visibility into the “how” and “when” of industrial decarbonisation. At present, it can be difficult for companies to forecast energy demand or assess the potential impact of future electricity connection requests.
Indus 2.0 will secure legal agreements, design shared digital infrastructure and test new forecasting approaches that reflect the full range of decarbonisation options, the firms added.
The project also recognises the importance of technologies like on-site energy generation and storage, which increasingly shape industrial demand patterns. Through engagement with interested parties and customer insights, Indus 2.0 will model pathways that reflect how businesses from various sectors will move towards low-carbon energy.
The project team will identify and categorise industrial users, align datasets and analyse the impact of industrial development on the energy network, developing a new model for infrastructure planning that supports decarbonisation by bridging data gaps and fostering collaboration.
Luca Grella, head of innovation at UK Power Networks, said:
“The UK’s journey to Net Zero can’t succeed without collaboration and transparency. Indus 2.0 is pioneering that approach by connecting energy networks and sharing vital data, so we can forecast demand more accurately and reduce uncertainty.
“This project will help us build a smarter, more flexible energy system that benefits both industry and consumers.”
Simon Joyce, head of Innovation Futures at SGN, said:
“Indus 2.0 is a catalyst for whole-system innovation. By securely sharing data between gas and electricity networks, we can unlock new insights, improve forecasting, and make faster, smarter decisions about how industry can decarbonise.
“This project is embedding collaboration and innovation at its core, helping us build the resilient, low-carbon energy system the UK needs for Net Zero, and we’re excited to be working with UK Power Networks to drive this transformation together.”
Image courtesy of UK Power Networks
