OpenEI:About

From Open Energy Info

Introduction

Thanks for being one of the first OpenEI users! This early “beta” release of OpenEI is just the start of great things to come. OpenEI will soon become the world’s first open-data source for energy information--specifically analyses on renewable energy and energy efficiency. The platform is a Wiki, similar to Wikipedia’s Wiki, which many users are already familiar with. Users can view, edit, and add data, – and download data for free. We invite you to join our user community. With your help, we can provide the most current information needed to make informed decisions on energy, market investment, and technology development. Your data will also help create new businesses, build innovative tools, and inspire new analyses.

Data Quality

Data quality is key to the success of OpenEI, and we are making every effort to ensure that only validated data with referenced sources are included in the platform. The user community can help expand the data and increase accuracy, which is what really strengthens this platform. In addition, we have data/content experts who will help evaluate submissions, and we are also developing a data-rating system for the platform. Our information is enhanced by additional data that we are linking to via the semantic Web, which encourages collaboration.

The Tie to VIBE

VIBE stands for the Virtual Information Bridge to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. VIBE (also in its early phase) is a portal that showcases unique analyses, applications, and links to information that exists on many sites within the energy world. Much of the information presented on VIBE lives within OpenEI. VIBE is a perfect example of how the wealth of information in OpenEI can be transformed into unique visualizations and linked to social media using a presentation platform. VIBE is a visual showcase of information and data, and an index of applications and tools related to renewable energy and energy efficiency. VIBE can be customized and used by energy decision makers, policymakers, technology developers, and more. Visit http://vibe.nrel.gov

The Future

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed OpenEI and VIBE with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). NREL and DOE are committed to making this powerful open-data platform a success. As OpenEI evolves, we will encourage additional partners from the government, universities, industry, and the public/private sectors to join the effort.

We Welcome Your Input!

We are developing OpenEI using an agile development process. We want to move quickly and take advantage of new technologies as they become available. This platform is actually on the “cutting edge” of semantic Web technology development, so we are always learning and improving the platform as we go. So, please feel free to give us your feedback! Tell us how we are doing, let us know what we can do better, and contact us if you have information you want to contribute. Contact us.