In order to establish a reliable and credible focal point for developments in European data access, and to be a basis for future extensions, it is vital to provide good “coverage” across the EU from the very start of a European Distributed Data Interface for Energy (EDDIE). Thus, in the construction of the consortium, a strong focus was on getting aboard the most relevant data-sharing infrastructure operators, featuring data access to a large number of metering points and expertise to how to access interfaces of smart meters right from the start. Also, it was considered very important to have infrastructures from MSs representing diverse data management approaches (centralised, decentralised, hybrid, etc. - see GEODE Data Management Fact Sheet for a classification) aboard to ensure hands-on expertise and integration support.

EDDIE will establish an outstanding coverage of accessibility to more than 70% of connectable European metering points as well as additional others, using a 3- phase approach (see Figure above):

1. In the first phase of the project – until month 18 – the data-sharing infrastructures of EDDIE project contributors and close supporters will be connected by providing regional connectors.
2. In the second phase – until month 24 – region connectors from MSs, where the consortium has close connections or good documentation will be added if possible and on a best effort basis
3. In the third phase – until month 33 – connectors for UK, US and potentially other data-sharing infrastructures will be provided. For all connectors and the provided and processed data inside and outside of the European Union, we strictly follow and apply GDPR regulations.

For phases 1) and 2) at least, it is important to note that also the Administrative Interface for In-house Data Access (AIIDA) standardised non-validated near real-time plugins for meter models in the related regions will be created at a best effort basis and as far as feasible.

Remark: It took the EDDIE consortium project team considerable efforts, interviewing data-sharing operators and other knowledgeable individuals to drag together all the information needed to connection to different market communication environments. Still, it cannot be guaranteed that all metering points (real-time and validated data) can be covered, due to the poor availability of reliable data and different degrees of transposition of European legislation. The approach described by the upcoming Implementing Acts on Interoperability and Data Access following Art 24(2) of Directive (EU) 2019/944 – maintains the hope that this information will be more accessible and up-to-date in the future.

However, the project team is committed to a best effort approach. Our work will uncover shortcomings in etc. in user flows or technical capabilities. The EDDIE Framework has been designed to provide workarounds for these gaps, and in parallel these issues will be systematically tackled in EDDIE's Best Practices Round-Table for Data-Sharing Infrastructure Operators. With this methodology, we hope to trigger important improvements also on MS levels.