We will design a holistic data connector (Digi-GIFT) to communicate directly to asset monitors pulling back real-time asset data, alerts and analytics. In the Discovery phase, we plan to:

·       Define the scale of the problem and quantify the benefits for solving the problem Deliver details of a Digi-GIFT platform design and functional specifications using commercially available technologies

·       Identify requirements for data driven cyber security methods

·       Technology review of AI and machine learning based cyber intrusion detection and response

·       Identify and evaluate potential suppliers

As a result, we will have a clear functional specification, detailed cost-benefit analysis and a technology appraisal. Outputs will provide recommendations for the Alpha phase, where the use cases will be identified for a practical demonstration in Beta, the first time in the UK energy sector.

This project meets the scope of the call though:

·       Interconnecting assets that allow network customers and consumers to interact through a common interface, improving the visibility of infrastructure and assets Enabling interoperability of digital products and data exchanges between different parts of the organisation

·       Securing the platform to allow operators and customers better access to data and

·       improving the resilience of networks against cyber attacks

·       Acting as an enabling function for potential digital benefits (i.e. FITNESS, Constellation) across all electrical network operator and allowing deployment of new applications across an increasingly secure, automated, and digitalised environment

SP Transmission – network licensee covering the Central belt of Scotland leading the industry on substation digitalisation. This includes pioneering work on Future Intelligent Transmission NEtwork SubStation (FITNESS). We will be a user as well as taking overall accountability for delivery.

SP Distribution – works closely with SPT on the digitisation and services for customers. SPD will contribute specialist network knowledge, demonstration resources, industry contacts, and access to datasets.

University of Manchester – one of the top global Universities with key expertise in digital substations, digitalization, communications, and cyber security. They possess prior experience in delivering digital innovation with UK TOs.

National Grid Energy Transmission – licensee for England and Wales, both NGET and UoM have worked closely with SPT covering transmission and cyber security over the past years. They are also user of the solution and will input into the requirement development.

With this consortia, we will ensure our users' (UK TOs) needs for secure, standardised high-speed data sharing are accelerated so that they can realise the benefits from a digitised electricity network.

Problem Bring Solved

To realise Net Zero, we need to digitise our network; this forms a core part of our innovation and business as usual activities. However, there are key barriers in how current practice achieves this in electricity networks. Specifically, the lack of standardised data formats that we use within our organisations and 3rd parties spans many different formats, protocols, and standards. Asset monitors currently either utilise a connection to the RTU or the use of bespoke software – often HTTP (unencrypted, internet transferred) to deliver analytics back to system analyst. For example, this does not maximise the benefits of the IEC 61850 standards used in the digital substations for communication.

In addition, as we digitise, our networks are highly attractive for cyber-attackers. Increasing Cyber-attack sophistication is rapidly growing and has a fundamental impact on the services we provide:

·       In 2020 36.9% of ICS (industrial control systems) used by the energy sector identified and blocked malicious objects.

·       Furthermore, 2015 Cyber-attacks in Ukraine show malicious actors causing widespread outages. This caused 30 electrical substations to be offline and around 230,000 customers were without supply for 6 hours; the equivalent of £18.5m in CI/CML. The problem is greater where secure data exchange is required across parties such as TSOs, DSOs, generators, and customers.

The secure and seamless data exchange across parties is essential for system planning, operation, protection and automation; this has been reflected with over £100m of cyber security investment across the UK Electricity Network Operators.

This project proposes to enhance substation security and data access by replacing the RTU connection with a direct connection to analytic servers removing the connection between the RTU and asset monitors. Specifically, we will design a holistic data connector (Digi-GIFT) to communicate directly to asset monitors pulling back real-time asset data, alerts and analytics to analysts. In addition to the direct benefits of real-time information and improved security, this would also act as an enabler to wider benefits from concepts such as the Digital Twin and unlock the benefits in line with the GB energy network digitalisation strategy priorities.

Through the Digi-GIFT project, we will advance standardised secure data sharing in the energy system, and over build on over £500m investment in digitalisation projects, realising:

·       Reduction in frequency and impact of cyber security events

·       Improved energy system planning, optimised operation and improved Interoperability of platforms and data sharing with other infrastructure sectors