Unlocking the power of data for the energy transition: the DATA CELLAR project

The DATA CELLAR project is creating a secure, interoperable and community-driven data space to accelerate the energy transition with the development of innovative tools, governance models and engagement strategies to empower energy communities and stakeholders to share, access and exploit energy data effectively.

The European Union has set ambitious climate and energy targets, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. Achieving these goals requires more than technological innovation, it requires a fundamental transformation of how energy is produced, shared and consumed. Data is at the core of this transformation. Yet, energy data remains fragmented, siloed and difficult to access.

DATA CELLAR (Data hub for the Creation of Energy communities at Local Level and Advance Research on them) is an EU-funded project that responds to this challenge. Its mission has been to develop a federated, secure and community-driven data space for energy communities and stakeholders. By enabling transparent and trusted data sharing, DATA CELLAR supports innovation in flexibility services, renewable integration and energy efficiency.

Building the foundation

The project adopted a multi-layered methodology that combined technological, regulatory and social dimensions. It has been building a federated infrastructure aligned with European standards such as IDSA, GAIA-X and EOSC, ensuring interoperability and trust.

A comprehensive data governance framework is being established, with clear rules, contracts and models that enable fair, secure, and transparent data sharing among participants. Technological tools such as interfaces, APIs and AI-driven services have been developed to facilitate data access, processing, and exploitation for energy-related applications.

Real-life engagement with energy cooperatives, local authorities, and businesses ensure that the system is user-driven and aligned with practical needs. Finally, the project integrates its work with broader EU initiatives, ensuring coherence with the European Data Strategy and supporting cross-sector collaboration.

The power of collaboration

DATA CELLAR is a coordinated by RINA Consulting (Italy) and unites a diverse European consortium spanning research, industry, utilities, public authorities and citizen energy communities.

Key partners from several countries include CERTH, CIRCE, UBITECH ENERGY, NODES, Politecnico di Torino, QUE, Azienda Elettrica di Massagno – AEM, LINKS Foundation, CTIC, CEA, EDP NEW, EDG West, SETECHCO, IREN, EDF, EUNICE, Trilateral Research, University of Groningen, Zabala Innovation, EPL, PHAETHON CoE, AUSTRIACARD, Cascais Ambiente – EMAC, Aran Islands Energy Cooperative, MRA-Elektrisch and FAEN.

Validation is taking place through nine real-life cases across Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Bulgaria and Ireland, capturing a range of local energy community contexts and maturity levels. These cases verify the platform’s architecture, governance and services while demonstrating tangible benefits for citizens, municipalities and operators.

From vision to reality

The DATA CELLAR project has reached several significant milestones. It has delivered a functional prototype of a federated data space that allows energy communities to securely share and access information. Governance models have been tested, including the use of smart contracts and consent management systems that guarantee transparency and compliance with GDPR. Artificial intelligence services have been introduced to enable predictive analytics, supporting demand forecasting, flexibility management and optimisation of energy efficiency.

Pilot demonstrations across Europe provide evidence of how communities can use shared data to improve renewable integration and strengthen local flexibility markets. In addition, the project has placed great emphasis on community engagement. Citizens and local stakeholders have been actively involved through co-creation workshops, which has not only improved the usability of the tools but also increased trust and awareness around the benefits of data sharing.

These achievements underline the transformative potential of data spaces in the energy sector. By overcoming silos and promoting interoperability, DATA CELLAR accelerates digital innovation while empowering communities to take an active role in shaping the energy transition. The combination of technical advances and social participation demonstrates that data-driven solutions are not only feasible but also socially acceptable and impactful.

DATA CELLAR at Enlit Europe

The culmination of the DATA CELLAR journey will be presented at Enlit Europe. At this final event, the consortium will showcase its achievements, from the federated data space architecture and governance to the pilot results that demonstrate the value of community-driven data sharing.

Through dedicated sessions on 19 November, DATA CELLAR will engage stakeholders in a dialogue about the future of energy data spaces and their role in accelerating the European energy transition. Participants will be able to explore how the project’s outcomes can be scaled, replicated, and integrated into broader digital and climate strategies across Europe.

DATA CELLAR demonstrates how secure and community-driven data spaces can unlock innovation and accelerate Europe’s energy transition. The project’s pilots prove that data sharing fosters flexibility, efficiency and renewable integration. Looking forward, the project paves the way for scaling up data spaces across multiple sectors, thereby contributing to the European Union’s broader digital and climate ambitions.

To learn more about DATA CELLAR and upcoming activities, visit the project website.