Enabling frameworks, technical requirements and acceptability criteria to procure digital technologies
Abstract
This report, D2.2, addresses critical aspects of digital technology adoption within the context of Every1's vision, focusing on enabling their effective procurement. The successful integration of digital technologies is pivotal for a modernised energy system, yet stakeholders often face challenges in navigating the complex landscape of technical specifications, economic viability, and user acceptance.
This deliverable aims to:
1. Identify technical gaps and barriers hindering the adoption and seamless integration of digital technologies in the energy sector.
2. Analyse the economic feasibility of key digital energy services, particularly where discrepancies exist between service maturity and adoption rates.
3. Compile a structured repository of tools designed to help stakeholders assess the Return on Investment (ROI) for various digital services.
4. Develop a set of best practices and acceptability criteria, based on the UTAUT2 model, to guide the evaluation and procurement of digital technologies.
Key outputs of this report include an analysis of technical requirements for privacy, security, and interoperability; detailed economic feasibility assessments; a collection of ROI tools accessible via the EVERY1 Knowledge Hub; and actionable best practices and acceptability criteria for technology procurement. Ultimately, D2.2 provides valuable insights and practical resources for stakeholders (such as energy communities, DSOs, and technology providers) to make informed decisions, thereby facilitating wider engagement in the energy transition and supporting the EU's digitalisation and decarbonisation objectives.
Key findings are delivered across three pillars. Technically, the report identifies interoperability as a more pressing barrier than privacy or cybersecurity. Economically, it demonstrates that the financial viability of many services is not yet assured, explaining the disconnect between maturity and adoption. Socially, it establishes that user-centric factors like social influence and perceived ease of use are often more critical to acceptance than cost alone.
Introduction
The purpose of this report is to address critical aspects of digital technology adoption in the context of energy transition by focusing on the following objectives:
- Identification of Technical Gaps: Examine and identify gaps in both functional and non-functional requirements that hinder the adoption of digital technologies, as well as barriers that impede seamless integration and utilisation.
- Economic Feasibility Analysis: Investigate the economic viability of services where there is a disconnect between the service’s maturity and its adoption rate, to assess if economic feasibility is a contributing factor to low adoption.
- Collection of ROI Tools: Compile a suite of tools designed to provide ecosystems and stakeholders with actionable insights into the return on investment (ROI) for various digital services.
- Best Practices and Acceptability Criteria: Develop a set of best practices and criteria to evaluate the acceptability of digital technologies, ensuring their relevance and effectiveness in achieving energy transition goals.
The significance of the findings in this report lies in their direct contribution to demystifying the complex landscape of digital technology procurement for a diverse range of stakeholders, including energy communities, DSOs, technology providers, and policymakers. By providing clear guidance on technical considerations, economic implications, and factors influencing user acceptance, this report aims to lower adoption barriers, reduce investment risks, and foster greater trust in digital solutions.
