To achieve the UK’s net zero and decarbonisation goals and ensure efficient delivery of power, increased data sharing across the energy sector is essential. In line with Ofgem’s Data Best Practice guidance, the UK’s energy networks have adopted a “presumed open” approach to data stewardship - seeking to make data as open as possible, with openness limited only where risks of harm are identified.
As part of this shift, the Energy Networks Association (ENA) Data and Digitalisation Steering Group (DDSG) developed the Open Data Triage process to assess risks associated with opening datasets. Where possible, data made available under one of two recognised open licences: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 or the Open Government Licence.
However, in cases where data cannot be made fully open, the sector has lacked a standardised and widely accepted approach to licensing data for shared use. This has led to inconsistencies, reduced clarity for users, and missed opportunities to maximise the value and impact of shared data.
In response, the Open Data Institute (ODI) and Pinsent Masons were commissioned by the ENA to develop a standardised shared data licence for use across the UK’s energy networks. Building on our extensive experience in designing data sharing agreements, we conducted landscape research and stakeholder engagement - including interviews, two collaborative workshops, and a review of UK and international best practice.
This report presents the outputs of that work and sets out the rationale and structure for a common shared data licensing approach. The new licence is designed to increase confidence among ENA members in sharing non-open data responsibly, while offering external users greater consistency and clarity in how shared data can be accessed and used.
It also sets out recommendations for how to continue improving the data ecosystem:
- Test and iterate the shared data licence through pilot implementations across a range of data types and users to ensure usability and sector alignment.
- Explore optional modular clauses that can be added to the core licence to reduce friction in specific sharing contexts.
- Develop supporting materials such as plain English summaries, FAQs, and implementation guidance to improve clarity and adoption.
- Engage users early and regularly to help ensure data sharing practices meet real-world needs, build trust, and drive continuous service improvement.
- Underpin data sharing with ethical governance, with clear processes to assess risks, ensure accountability, and protect individuals and communities.
- Collaborate with other sectors to adopt and contribute to proven data sharing models, accelerating innovation and harmonisation.
- Structure, document, and license to support AI use, following recognised standards to ensure quality, transparency, and legal clarity.
By adopting this standardised approach, the energy networks can expect to see improved data reuse, reduced friction in collaboration, and greater overall value from the data they hold. In turn, this will support a more efficient, innovative, and decarbonised energy sector.
