The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has released the UK’s first Energy Sector Digitalisation Plan, developed in partnership with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ofgem, and industry stakeholders. The plan sets out a roadmap to strengthen the digital infrastructure underpinning Britain’s energy transition.
The initiative comes as Great Britain works toward delivering a fully decarbonised power system by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050. NESO said achieving these targets will require advanced digital tools, including modelling, artificial intelligence, and improved data sharing across the energy system and wider economy.
The document identifies 16 specific actions to improve coordination, governance, and data use across the sector. These measures were designed through collaboration with partners such as the Retail Energy Code Company (RECCo), the Data Communications Company (DCC), and Elexon. NESO described the plan as an “iterative” framework that will evolve in response to feedback, emerging technologies, and policy developments.
NESO Chief Information Officer Shubhi Rajnish said the plan provides a foundation for the clean energy transition:
“To reach Clean Power by 2030, Great Britain needs robust digital infrastructure and seamless integration across systems, sectors and society. The Sector Digitalisation Plan sets the roadmap to deliver the lasting digital journey needed to make these goals a reality.”
Energy Minister Michael Shanks called digitalisation a crucial enabler of lower-cost, cleaner energy:
“A flexible electricity system can help people to lower their bills through taking advantage of new tariffs and technologies – and we are working with NESO and partners to deliver this.”
The plan has been welcomed across the energy industry. Sir John Lazar, president of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said urgent action is needed to ensure smart meters, electric vehicles, and heat pumps can integrate with innovative tariffs. Leaders from the DCC, Elexon, Energy Systems Catapult, and RECCo also voiced support, highlighting the importance of collaboration and the role of digital infrastructure in unlocking consumer-led flexibility.
NESO emphasised that the publication marks the first iteration of the plan and will be updated regularly to reflect sector progress and new challenges on the path to Clean Power 2030.
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