Questions and answers: Call for solutions “Using data to curb energy use”

Questions about the call for solutions

1. Does the solution to be developed only for consumers or can it also be developed for energy companies? 

Consumers and SMEs should be the key beneficiaries of the solutions. One of the evaluation criteria used in the call for solutions is that consumers must be able to use the solution.  

It is okay for the solution to also be suitable for larger operators. No otherwise credible solution will be turned down only because it can also benefit energy companies. There are also many small companies in the energy sector that could be interested in the solution.  

2. Why do you focus on consumers? What about office buildings, shopping centres and the like? 

We focus on small, agile target groups such as households, housing associations and SMEs. But if a solution that can be developed quickly can also be used by shopping centres or office buildings, that’s fine. 

3. Can funding be applied for a solution that already exists and is being further developed? 

Yes. Funding can be used to further develop an existing solution. 

4. How much reporting does is required from applicants? 

Applicants must submit a short and concise final report along with a condensed expense report.  

We also request a final report that Sitra can make public and use to communicate about the solution. There are no other reporting obligations after the project funding period. Please see the contract template in section 7. 

5. Will all the intellectual property rights remain the exclusive property of the applicant? Can we freely (and exclusively) make commercial use of the solution? There is a long clause in the contract that seems to indicate that the final report, and only the final report, becomes Sitra’s property. 

All intellectual property rights and other results of the project remain the property of the applicant. Any applicant who receives de minimis funding, intended to foster economic activity, is free to use the results in any way they wish – including commercial uses.  

The only exception and limitation to this is that Sitra will have the right to use the final report, which is also considered a result of the project. Even in this case the property rights remain with the applicant.  

However, the administrative final report required from the funding recipient is different. This report is prepared for Sitra and remains its property. The administrative final report is not considered a result of the project. 

Questions related to energy data

6. Is there a list of open data sources on energy use? Where can we obtain open data on hourly rates?  

There is no single entity that provides all energy-related open data.  

The power market Nord Pool sells such data. ENTSO-E also has such data available, but the data comes from Nord Pool and their licence does not necessarily allow the use of data for applications or solutions.  

It is also worth looking at the data provided by Finnish Energy and the Energy Authority.  

7. Is there a real-time fast API that you can use to query the frequency of alternating current?  

Svenska kraftnät has such an API, for example. Fingrid has an interface for frequency data that is updated every three minutes. The frequency of the electrical system is based on real-time measurements of Fingrid’s usage monitoring system. For further information, please see Fingrid’s website. 

There is also other background available on Fingrid’s website. 

8. Is there an interface for querying distribution tariffs per grid company?  

It is worth asking Finnish Energy or the Energy Authority about this.