Energy Data Exchange Austria

The problem discussed revolves around the complexity of data management and communication in the context of smart grids, involving multiple stakeholders such as electricity suppliers, distribution system operators (DSOs), regulators, and emerging energy service providers. Different national approaches exist, varying in data storage, exchange methods, and market models. However, Article 23 of the Electricity Directive (EU) 2019/944 mandates effective data management structures for efficient and secure data access, exchange, and protection.

Three data management models are described: Centralised, De-centralised, and Hybrid. While Centralised models offer advantages, they also pose risks like data centralization and single points of failure. The De-centralised model, on the other hand, aligns better with European Data Strategy and GDPR, supporting a participatory energy system.

The solution proposed is exemplified by Austria's Energy Data Exchange Austria (EDA) infrastructure. It follows a De-centralised model, emphasizing stakeholder consultation, standardization, and bottom-up development. EDA ensures data stays close to its source and is exchanged based on consent or defined business processes. Market actors comply with standardized processes, facilitated by secure messaging standards.

Realized impacts include a thriving energy data management community, simplified supplier switching, and efficient support for energy communities. EDA boasts impressive participation statistics, indicating its successful adoption in Austria's energy sector. Its scalability, future-proof design, and recognition at the European level underscore its effectiveness.

Moreover, the success of EDA prompts evaluation for potential integration into other sectors such as mobility, broadband internet, and telecommunication, demonstrating its potential as a best-practice pattern for digitalizing various industries.