Starting September 2025, users will gain free and unrestricted access to all raw data produced by machines, including wind turbines. This transformative shift will fundamentally alter the dynamics between operators, manufacturers, and service providers, impacting the entire industry.
We spoke with Hubertus von Roenne, Managing Partner of Data Sharing Solutions, about the profound changes expected in the wind energy sector due to this new EU digital legislation. He anticipates a paradigm shift, where control of data will dramatically shift from wind turbine manufacturers to wind park owners and operators. Why the EU Enacted the Data Act
The European Union has long recognized a problem: Europe has not produced any major data companies like Facebook, Amazon, Google, or Microsoft. To address this, the EU has initiated a three-step program to create a European market characterized by:
Privacy protection aligned with European values (GDPR)
Competition among major players (Digital Markets Act and Services Act)
Open data usage (Data Governance Act, Data Act)
For operators, owners, OEMs, and service providers in the wind industry, the EU Data Act will fundamentally change how data is handled.
A new Era of Data Ownership
Starting September 12, 2025, users will have unprecedented control over the data produced by their devices. Each user can access this data for free and request information about what data is being generated.
For instance, wind turbine owners can freely use the data produced by their turbines. Manufacturers must seek permission from owners to access this data, highlighting the owner's rights.
This principle applies across sectors, affecting everything from autonomous driving to smartwatches. Machine manufacturers must now obtain explicit consent from users before accessing data. The users of the machines (e.g. wind turbine operators) may even charge OEMs for data access to their turbines.
With these changes, it's crucial to carefully review terms and service agreements with OEMs. Owners and operators now have significant rights that require careful consideration and protection. The OEMs may already change their buying contracts and include data usage licenses from the users.
Ensuring Access and Transparency for Users
Starting in 2025, new EU regulations will ensure that wind turbine owners have comprehensive access to all data generated by their installations. Here are the key points:
Comprehensive Data Access: Owners will have an overview of all data generated by their wind turbines, including operational, performance, and maintenance data.
Standardized Format: Data must be provided in a simple, secure, and free manner, using a commonly accepted, structured, and machine-readable format.
Direct Accessibility: Data must be directly accessible from the turbine itself, ensuring that owners can easily retrieve information without intermediaries.
Continuous Availability: Data must be available at all times, providing continuous access to ensure real-time monitoring and decision-making.
These regulations are designed to empower wind turbine owners, enhance transparency, and promote a more open and competitive market.
More Than a Legal Issue, a Business Opportunity
The new EU Data Act isn't just a legal or IT issue; it's a significant business case topic. This legislation compels industry stakeholders to rethink data production, business models, and the overall industry landscape. Here are the essential points:
Comprehensive Data Access: Owners will have access to all data generated by their wind turbines, with no exceptions. This includes all raw data sent to manufacturers. It excludes already transformed or enhanced data.
Business Model Transformation: With full data access, new business models can emerge, fundamentally changing the industry. Companies must explore how to leverage this data for innovation and competitive advantage.
Shift in Relationships: The relationship between operators and manufacturers will shift dramatically. As data becomes fully transparent, operators gain significant leverage, and control.
Monetizing Data: Owners have the legal right to charge third parties for accessing their turbine's data. Whether this is a practical approach remains to be seen, but it opens up new revenue possibilities.
Strategic Considerations: Stakeholders must carefully consider which data is produced and how it can be utilized. This shift demands strategic planning and adaptation to the new regulatory environment.
Changing Terms and Conditions: What to Watch For
One last important point: manufacturers are already beginning to update their terms and conditions. They are becoming aware of the impending changes, and as a result, new purchase contracts now often include data license usage agreements. These agreements might state that the manufacturer has the right to use all data, acknowledging that from next year, they will no longer have automatic rights to this data.
It is crucial to read these terms and data usage clauses carefully. Manufacturers need access to data to operate and develop their equipment effectively, and this necessity makes sense. However, the dynamic has completely shifted. As an owner or operator, you now have significant control over data access.
Make sure to thoroughly review these updated agreements to understand your rights and ensure you are not inadvertently giving away your newfound control. The upcoming changes highlight the importance of staying informed and vigilant about how your data is handled.
Key Takeaways
Unprecedented Data Access: From September 12, 2025, users will have the right to access all data produced by their devices, including wind turbines, for free and without limitations. That includes old turbines and old data usage contracts. It is not allowed any longer for the OEMs to charge anything for data access or usage. In other words your OPC connection must not cost anything.
Fundamental Industry Shift: This change will significantly alter the relationship between operators and manufacturers, impacting the entire wind energy industry, because it will produce massive transparency about the assets for the owners and operators, if the data is analyzed with good software.
New Business Models: Comprehensive data access will allow for the development of new business models and innovation within the industry around data.
Changing Terms and Conditions: Manufacturers are updating their terms and conditions to reflect these changes, making it crucial for operators to carefully review data usage clauses.
Strategic Planning Required: Stakeholders need to strategically plan how to utilize the data produced to adapt to the new regulatory environment, and understand the impact this has on the current and future service contracts and landscape.
Personal Note
The introduction of the EU Data Act marks a transformative moment for the wind energy sector and beyond. As someone deeply invested in the advancement of renewable energy, I see this as a pivotal opportunity for innovation and growth. The ability for operators and owners to access comprehensive data freely empowers them to optimize performance, enhance maintenance strategies, and develop new business models as well will challenge old business models around service and maintenance and beyond.
However, with this newfound power comes the responsibility to understand and leverage these rights effectively. It's imperative to stay informed and proactive in navigating these changes, ensuring that we not only comply with new regulations but also capitalize on the opportunities they present.
The future of wind energy—and indeed, all data-driven industries in Europe—looks brighter with these advancements, and I am excited to see the positive impacts unfold. ---
For more useful information about the EU Data Act please visit: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/2854 https://www.datasharingsolutions.com
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