Cadent Selects Opendatasoft for Open Data Portal Launch

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In an exciting development for the UK’s energy landscape, Opendatasoft, a leading data marketplace solution provider, has been chosen by Cadent, the largest gas distribution network in the UK, to power its new open data portal. This innovative platform, which went live in a remarkable three-month timeframe, is set to transform how gas distribution data is shared and utilised across the energy ecosystem.

Cadent’s newly established self-service portal offers a continually expanding array of data that encompasses vital information about the company’s gas pipeline infrastructure, asset management, and customer demand. The portal’s user-friendly interface allows stakeholders to access data in various formats, including tables, interactive drill-down maps, and downloadable files via APIs and common data formats. Each piece of data is carefully triaged before being uploaded to the portal, ensuring that it is made available under appropriate open or shared licenses based on its sensitivity.

The primary aim of this new portal is to foster enhanced collaboration with a multitude of stakeholders within the energy sector. This includes local authorities working on Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs), consultancies, academic institutions, and other entities seeking to leverage data for their initiatives. The portal not only aligns with the data-sharing mandates established by the energy regulator Ofgem but also significantly streamlines the process of responding to data requests, allowing Cadent to operate as a more resilient, agile, and data-driven organisation.

As the UK’s largest gas distribution network, Cadent plays a crucial role in delivering gas to approximately 11 million homes and businesses. The company oversees an extensive network, comprising over 82,000 miles of underground pipes that facilitate the transportation of gas across the North West, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, and North London. This vast infrastructure underscores the importance of having a robust data management system to support effective operations and future planning.

Cadent’s decision to partner with Opendatasoft stemmed from the latter’s comprehensive functionality, ease of implementation, and extensive experience within the energy sector. Opendatasoft’s impressive portfolio includes collaborations with major entities such as UK Power Networks, GRDF, GRTgaz, the US Department of Energy, Endeavour Energy, Fluvius, and Hydro-Québec, showcasing its capability to drive data innovation globally.

David Mayne, the Open Data Specialist at Cadent, expressed the company’s commitment to leading the energy transition by enhancing the data landscape. “At Cadent, we are at the forefront of the energy transition and understand the importance of transforming the data landscape in support of this. This involves sharing and integrating with a wider ecosystem of users to drive innovation and collaboration,” he stated. “Thanks to Opendatasoft’s support, we launched our portal in record time, delivering an effective, efficient, and intuitive experience to all our users, which we aim to build on moving forward.”

Looking ahead, Cadent has ambitious plans for the portal’s development. Future enhancements will include the integration of new data assets, such as demand forecasts and environmental data, along with improved capabilities for combining various data sets. The company is also focused on expanding the range of visualisation tools available on the portal, which will further enhance user experience and data accessibility. In addition, efforts will be made to automate portal administration processes and incorporate Opendatasoft features, such as contact forms for collecting user feedback.

Jean-Marc Lazard, the CEO and co-founder of Opendatasoft, remarked on the significance of Cadent’s swift success. “Cadent’s rapid success demonstrates the potential of data sharing to drive collaboration across the energy ecosystem,” he noted. “Not only is our data marketplace technology enabling Cadent to increase innovation, but it is boosting efficiency and providing a powerful platform for the future.”

For those interested in exploring Cadent’s innovative open data portal, it is accessible at Cadent Open Data Portal. This initiative represents a significant step towards a more transparent and collaborative energy sector, aligning perfectly with our shared vision of achieving net zero emissions.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of the energy transition, the importance of data sharing and collaboration cannot be overstated. Initiatives like Cadent’s open data portal set a precedent for how energy companies can engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, paving the way for innovative solutions that contribute to a sustainable future.

Stay tuned for more updates on how technology and data are shaping the future of energy in the UK and beyond. Together, we can champion the journey towards net zero!