Page 28 - Gi_August2019

igem news

THE ROAD TO 2050

DIGITALISATION building blocks that need to be put

in place in order to take the industry
forward, these being: data visibility,
new asset visibility, infrastructure

optimisation. She also stressed that,
THE LAST PIECE OF THE PUZZLE visibility and operational
in future, communication between
the sector and consumers will be
increasingly two-way.
Next up was Michael Wilkinson, a
Gemma Bailey, IGEM Head of Marketing & Events, reports digital technology expert from DNV
from the latest Road to 2050 conference, which this time GL. Michael’s presentation began by
examined how digital technology is fortifying gas businesses explaining the difference between
digitisation and digitalisation. He went
for the future on to discuss how digital tools can be
deployed within the energy sector and
TRANSFORMATIVE TECHNOLOGY can support the country’s transition to a showcased a number of interesting
was the focus of the latest conference low carbon economy. examples. Michael explained that a
in IGEM’s Road to 2050 series, The programme was opened by lack of digital skills is a significant
Digitalising the Energy Networks. Laura Sandys, Chair of the Energy barrier, which must be addressed in
Having previously looked at the Data Taskforce. The organisation was order to maximise the potential of the
impact of decarbonisation and established to provide government, digital revolution.
decentralisation on the UK’s energy Ofgem and industry with a set of The first session of the day was
networks, we sought to complete recommendations on how data can concluded by Dan Shears, National
the energy trilemma by considering help unlock opportunities provided Health, Safety & Environment
the opportunities presented by the by a modern, decarbonised and Director at GMB Union. Coming from
digitalisation of the sector. decentralised energy system, giving a completely different angle to the
In July, delegates gathered at London’s the best value to consumers. previous two presenters, Dan focused
No.11 Cavendish Square to hear a range Laura explained that while there on the current and future impact of
of perspectives on how digitalisation is already a lot of data within the digitalisation on the UK workforce.
could impact (and has already sector, there are some issues around The second session of the day was
impacted) the gas industry and how it quality. She spoke of a number of core all about smart. We kicked off with

28

IGEMNews_DigitalisingEnergyNetwork.indd 1 18/07/2019 15:18