Government, industry agrees new data principles for the North Sea

Aug 1, 2024 9:55:00 AM · 3 min read

North Sea exploration, collaboration and location-sharing have taken a significant step forward following agreement on a set of data principles for offshore energies industries.

The Principles, which are designed to support the energy transition, have been agreed after an extensive consultation period. They were created by the Data Principles Group, one of the task forces set up by the Offshore Energy Digital Strategy Group (DSG).

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“This is a very valuable step from the DSG data principles workstream,” said David Lecore, NSTA Head of Data Services, and Data Principles Group member. “Sharing data is critical to an integrated energy system that will help to ensure UK energy security and support the energy transition.”

The benefits of these data principles are wide-ranging, sharing data can enable the development of more accurate and robust predictive models, optimising resource allocation and leading to better decision making, offering new insights and fostering innovation whilst reducing risks.

Collaboration on data will lead to more cost-effective problem-solving and quicker resolution of issues and provide access to larger quantities of high-quality data for the use of technologies such as AI, whilst opening new opportunities for learning from industry peers through knowledge exchange.

The six Principles lay out desired actions and behaviours:

Principle: Leading in the energy transition through a shared data ecosystem

Active participation in a shared data ecosystem, sharing data and collaborating on initiatives that promote reduced carbon emissions and sustainable practices. By joining forces, we can collectively accelerate progress towards a sustainable and resilient energy future.

Principle: Increasing the value of internal and external data

The company will increase the value of internal data by leveraging insights and innovations from external data sources. Apply AI and data science to sector-wide datasets to accelerate progress, develop new solutions, unlock opportunities, and reduce costs and risks.

Principle: Targeted use cases, collaboration for targeted solutions

The company will focus on a use case-by-use case approach, collaborating with relevant stakeholders to develop targeted solutions. This strategic method addresses priority challenges and reduces duplication. Through collaborative problem-solving, expedite the implementation of practical solutions to sector challenges.

Principle: Advancing digital model/digital twin accuracy through data sharing

The company recognises that sharing data and creating shared data models provides better visibility of infrastructure, logistical options, the subsurface and other aspects of the natural environment. Improving predictive models, such as digital twins, by ensuring greater accuracy and reliability.

Principle: Facilitating accessible, secure data repositories for all stakeholders

The company is dedicated to reusing or creating stewarded, trusted, secure, standardised, and accessible data sets. This will aid data sharing, fostering an environment of higher quality and applied standards, creating a fertile environment for innovation and knowledge exchange and the application of AI technologies.

Principle: Enhancing operational efficiency and reduced risk through data collaboration

By leveraging this collaboration, the company will streamline its operations by integrating shared data into decision-making processes. This will optimise workflows and enhance efficiency and reduce risks through the application of shared data, leading to more agility and resilience.

The Offshore Energy Digital Strategy Group (DSG) has now also launched a dedicated LinkedIn page to allow members and interested parties to share information.

The DSG was set up following the publication of the Digitalising Offshore Energy Systems report in 2021 which called on the oil and gas and renewables sectors to work together to use the North Sea to its full capacity and reduce emissions to meet net zero targets.

Individual task forces were set up to collaborate on issues including data coordination and interoperability, enabling whole system planning and enhancing digital and data skills.

“Collaboration to increase the quality and amount of relevant data available for digital models and AI is a transformative emerging paradigm,” said Ed Evans, Data Principles Group Chair and Senior Consultant at the Open Data Institute (ODI). “The principles provide a guide on how data sharing stimulates innovation and drives the transition.”

John Mitchell, Data Principles Group member and Marine Data Manager at The Crown Estate, said:

“At The Crown Estate we know the vital role data and evidence play in helping to unlock the full potential of the seabed, which is why we established the world-leading Marine Data Exchange to bring together, and make public, data and evidence for the offshore marine industry. We look forward to continuing to bring this experience to the Data Strategy Group's workstreams to help enhance data-sharing and collaboration as we move towards a less carbon intensive energy future.”