Leveraging Data to Achieve Sustainability and Utility Transformation

Managing the integration of low-carbon solutions onto energy systems presents new challenges for utilities.

ESB Driven to Make a Difference

ESB is an Irish data-led utility making significant progress towards the challenging target of Net Zero by 2040, and ESB International is ESB's engineering consultancy business.

Why ESB needed to transform its technology and leverage its data

Utilities around the globe are providing leadership in climate action, a challenge ESB embraces. Utilising the right data is critical in making the right decisions to ensure we remain on track to achieve our sustainability goals. Decarbonisation through the electrification of heat and transport requires focused investment to ensure network resilience. When reviewing targets for Ireland’s Climate Action plan, it was critical for ESB Networks (the ESB business that builds, operates and maintains the electricity network in Ireland) to monitor changes to load and manage the impact this will have on the network. 

Data-driven decision-making  

Analysis of Ireland’s current network and integration of low-carbon solutions, including electric vehicles and heat pumps, was vital. In a busy, crowded network, there will inevitably be hotspots where the networks are under pressure. 

• The first essential step involved overlaying electric vehicle grant information with population density to assess where there are potential stress points.  
• The next step was the installation of 1000 transformer monitors in the areas identified as potential stress points to gather essential data.  

Data Management and Integration  

• Collecting, collating and aggregating datasets on assets, customers, and publicly available information is vital to facilitate analysis.  

ESB’s journey to help achieve Ireland's Climate Action Plan goals 

How to achieve your transformation goals

Utilities can only meet the challenges of decarbonisation and accelerate climate action by becoming data-led organisations. Get in touch to find out how we can help you leverage data to achieve your transformation goals.