WIREDGOV

Announcement - new whitepaper exploring the power of digital twins in the energy sector.

A new techUK whitepaper published today sets out the possibilities of the wider implementation of digital twin technology in the UK’s energy sector. Digital twins are defined by techUK as ‘a relevant, virtual representation of the state and behavior of something physical or non-physical with a functional output in the real world’. To put it simply, a digital twin is a digital copy of a real-life asset, process, or system.

Digital twins are presently used to model many different things, from car engines, to supply chains, to entire cities. They allow stakeholders and policymakers to gain insights into the real-life processes that would be otherwise highly time and labor intensive. Their implementation in industries like construction has saved money, increased delivery speed, and improved sustainability.

Teodora Kaneva, Head of Smart Infrastructure and Systems said:

“The widespread adoption of digital twins in the energy sector would make the UK a world leader in addressing the issues of efficiency, risk management and renewable energy deployment. By utilising digital twin technology, the energy sector can create win-wins for customers, shareholders and the environment. A digital twin for the entire energy infrastructure would be big step on the path to net zero. ”

The whitepaper illustrates how digital twins are already being successfully utilised in some parts of the energy system and how they can be applied to help address some of the greatest challenges that the energy sector faces including the renewable transition, risk management and performance optimisation.

Susanne Baker, Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability said:

“While we are seeing the energy sector start to develop digital twins, compared to other sectors the approaches being adopted are relatively immature and disjointed. A sector-wide approach could be a game changer for the UK’s energy system.”