Digital energy

It relies on operational data and replicates processes so that possible real-world performance outcomes and issues can be predicted. 

Combining energy expertise with digital capabilities, we can help develop a digital twin that brings new levels of operational insight and control, and meets the wider commercial needs of your organization. 

There are many kinds of twins and many different ways to develop one.  When you work with our team, the development process has four distinct stages:

1. Assessment and road-mapping: we find out what data a client can take advantage of, and how it might be combined – this supports a compelling business case. 
2. Create the twin: we then develop a working model from an organisation’s data and underlying information infrastructure.
3. Manage and maintain: once implemented within an organisation, we continue to refine and expand the twin’s effectiveness and security, bolting on new services and data streams as they become available.
4. Iterate and upgrade: continuous improvements are possible as data platforms gain in power and capability every year. We work with clients to continually improve their digital twin.

When built with common interfaces and interoperable designs, these can then be linked between organisations, to solve sector level problems more effectively and collectively. 

As we have seen in the banking sector, once the data sharing fundamentals are established, all manner of operational and service innovation becomes possible. There is the potential to improve system operation and efficiency, enable access to new markets and support development of new services for a smart and flexible energy system.    

Arup has partnered with UK government entities to develop the environment to share data, model and predict scenarios that will support the decarbonisation of the UK energy industry, while supporting a digital-first and sustainable energy network for the future.  

However, we recognise that clients face the complex challenge of introducing new systems and digital pathways into existing legacy networks. Our digital energy experts are at the forefront of these developments, applying best practices or breaking new ground on realising the power of digitalisation in the energy sector.  

Drawing on deep sector and technical expertise, we help clients define areas where digitalisation can be meaningfully applied. Our strategic support ensures that clients can implement a digital energy solution that accelerates their progress towards net zero. 

At a broader level we help identify valuable uses of the data businesses generate, and help clients to develop completely new services, integrating new technology and data standards in complex environments for energy. This work leads to valuable innovations – for example, we are working with energy networks to design a digital approach for outage reporting and visualisation, and with cities and local authorities to model their decarbonisation pathways.

However, we understand the intricate challenge our clients encounter in seamlessly integrating these innovative solutions within their existing operational frameworks. Our team of AI and data science specialists is dedicated to navigating these complexities, leveraging industry expertise to pioneer digitalisation within the energy sector.

Grounded in deep sector knowledge, we collaborate with clients to pinpoint areas for advanced algorithms and data analytics. We pose the critical questions necessary to ensure present actions align with the trajectory towards achieving net-zero goals, uncovering inherent value within your data streams, fostering the development of novel services and the integration of cutting-edge technologies and data standards within intricate energy ecosystems.

We are working with the UK energy system operator to define the AI Centre of Excellence and develop a fellowship programme to inspire the next generation.